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Family Supports

District Resources

As a parent or guardian, you may find yourself in need of extra services to ensure the well-being of your student. Each school can assist you with these needs. The following is a list of the contact person for each school in the district. Feel free to contact these school professionals or you can access the list below for resources in the area for additional help.

Community Resources

Health Clinic Options - Scott County

Home Alone Guidelines

How Old Is Old Enough to Be Left Home Alone?

There is no magical age for parents to use as a benchmark for when it is safe to leave children home alone. Parents need to use their own good judgment and their knowledge of their children to determine when and at what age it is appropriate. The ability to feel safe, handle emergencies, and act responsibly varies greatly from child to child. Some 14- to 15-year-olds may not yet be ready for that level of independence.

With those considerations in mind, Scott County uses the following guidelines for children who are unsupervised or who supervise younger children:

  1. Children age 7 and younger must always have appropriate supervision.
  2. Children ages 8–10 may be left alone for only short periods of time.
  3. Children age 11 may babysit for short periods of time.
  4. Children ages 12–13 may be unsupervised or babysit, with the expectation that a parent, guardian, or caretaker will return within 12 hours.
  5. Children ages 14–15 may babysit or be unsupervised, provided the parent, guardian, or caregiver returns within 24 hours.
  6. For children ages 16–17, parental judgment should determine the need for supervision. If left alone for more than 24 hours, they should have a plan for how to respond to emergencies. Children in this age group may provide care for younger children for more than 24 hours if the parent's location and return time are known, and if adult backup supervision is available.

Scott County uses a statewide screening guide to help determine if a child is ready to be left home alone or to babysit. Parents are encouraged to consider the following questions:

  1. How long will the child be left alone?
  2. What is the child's maturity and intellectual level?
  3. Is there another adult available if the child needs help?
  4. What is the child's health or physical condition?
  5. Does the child display any concerning behaviors?
  6. Will the child be using a stove, iron, or other potentially dangerous appliances?
  7. Have the parents discussed an escape plan, held a fire drill, and reviewed emergency safety procedures?
  8. Does the home have an operational smoke detector?
  9. Are there any unusual or dangerous hazards in the home?
  10. How does the child feel about being left alone?
  11. What are the ages and number of children in the home?
  12. Has the child completed a babysitting clinic?
  13. Is the chosen caregiver reliable and capable?

Never Leave Children Alone in the Car