In the time warp that is parenting, somehow, spring break is already here.
Unless parents have planned, such as signing up their child for a pricey spring break camp, odds are they are scrambling about what to do with the kids.
With the high cost of childcare, especially in the Golden State, it may leave parents wondering: How old do my children have to be to stay home alone during spring break?
In California, the answer is complicated.
At what age can kids stay home alone in California?
California has no state law mandating an appropriate age for children to be left alone. However, parents could violate child safety laws if their lack of supervision exposes children to danger.
Under California Penal Code section 273a, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of 18 in any situation where the child would suffer harm or be in danger.
Sixteen states require or recommend a minimum age — from ages 6 to 14 — at which parents can leave a child at home alone, according to a March 2023 aggregated report. California is one of 34 states that has no minimum age requirement or recommendation.
What is the recommended age for leaving a child home alone?
An American Academy of Pediatrics survey found a majority of social workers surveyed believe children should be at least 12 before being left home alone. The same survey found those same social workers would consider a home-alone scenario as neglect if a child is injured while left unsupervised.
In cases where a child was not injured, nearly every social worker determined that leaving a child home alone for four hours was child neglect when the child was 6 years old or younger.
Can my child babysit younger children?
Per California law, a short-term babysitter can be under the age of 18 but must “have the maturity, experience, and ability necessary to provide adequate care and supervision to a ‘child.'”
Should a child under the age of 18 babysit another child, the caregiver must ensure the babysitter knows how to contact the caregiver in the event of an emergency.
While there is no minimum age that a child can babysit other children, most experts recommend children be at least 12 or 13, according to the American Red Cross.
The nonprofit, however, does offer babysitting training classes for children as young as 11.
When should parents leave their children home alone? California has a checklist
The California Department of Education has a checklist for parents to review before deciding when a child can be left at home.
What are some things to do before you let your child stay home alone?
The California Department of Education advises before your child stays home alone, write out the house rules and put them in an easy-to-find place. Decide on a trial period to find out if any of the rules need changing.
Those rules could include:
In addition, make sure your child needs to handle:
When is spring break in California?
Spring break in California varies depending on the school district. Typically, the week-long break falls between late March and early April.
For major school districts in Southern California, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District and San Diego Unified School District, spring break will take place from March 30 to April 3.
In Northern California, students in the Elk Grove Unified School District will take spring break from March 16 to March 20, while the San Francisco Unified School District’s is recess scheduled to begin March 27.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What California parents should know before leaving kids home this spring break
Reporting by James Ward and Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
