Child Care Resources

Donors

For Families

For Child Care Providers

Community Information

Find a Job

Volunteer Opportunities

Helpful Articles

A list of Nanny Care Placement Agencies

Article - School Links Info & Tours

< Go Back > Resource Article

School Aged Children Home Alone?

The decision to leave your child home alone is a very personal decision that needs to be made based on your feelings and experience with your child. Washington State does not have any laws or rules that say at what age a child can be left home alone. In general, children under 10 should not be left on their own, and babies and younger children should not be left alone even for a few minutes. Here are some questions to ask your self before you leave your child home alone.

• Does your child feel at all frightened or apprehensive about staying home alone?
• Does your child follow your instructions and your rules?
• Can you count on your child to tell you the truth?
• Can your child be counted on to stay clearheaded in an unexpected or emergency situation?
• Can you child calmly dial 911, give their full name (and yours), street address and phone number, and explain the situation?

You might feel most comfortable starting out leaving your child alone for short periods of time. Go slowly and make sure that you and your child are comfortable with the situation.