Dymphna
Loyalty, Friendship, Love
Actually, lots of people, including me, have given it up because lack of clients.
All the banter just further proves my point. There isn't enough daycare out there!
I_LUV_KIDS
New Member
I have heard that from only one other person I can think of. Otherwise I have been hearing "I have looked everywhere and no one has openings!" wonder where the gap is happeing....
B
Bronwyn
Guest
Still looking!!! 
Q: "At what age can a child be left home alone in Maryland?"
A: Family Law Article, § 5-801, provides:
(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.
I think in this instance as the child is 8 not "under 8" and a 13yr old can be left in charge (don't know any 13yr old licensed providors) she'd be ok if a neighbor/friend helped out.
Daycare in Calvert is hard to find and I don't know of any in that school zone.
Dymphna
Loyalty, Friendship, Love
The difference is if the child is going home after school and there is someone there who is 13 or older, it's fine. If the child is at least 8 years old, they are legally allowed to go home to an empty house. If the child is going to someone else's house the that someone else is getting paid for it, than that someone else needs to be licensed according to state law.
B
Bronwyn
Guest
On a side note: I cannot imagine leaving my son at home alone yet!!! He would be way too scared. Right now, I think he might let me walk to the mail box as long as I left him clutching a cell phone.... and he would call before I got to there 
I know no one was suggesting that I leave him, but that was the image that went through my mind as I read the post on the legal age to be alone.
I know no one was suggesting that I leave him, but that was the image that went through my mind as I read the post on the legal age to be alone.
Proud_Nana
Member
Have you maybe considered calling the school to see if they have any leads on daycare available in their district?On a side note: I cannot imagine leaving my son at home alone yet!!! He would be way too scared. Right now, I think he might let me walk to the mail box as long as I left him clutching a cell phone.... and he would call before I got to there
I know no one was suggesting that I leave him, but that was the image that went through my mind as I read the post on the legal age to be alone.
I agree, we're just starting the 20mins here and there to build resposibility at 11yrs old. Most of her friends are doing hours on their own -- NO WAY!
Used to have a kid near us that got up, ready and on the bus, came home, homework, dinner till 7pm on average every night all by hisself, at 8!!
Child services came and put a stop to it (somewhat, I think they still did it just not for as long and never got caught), he turned 9 and they went right back to it. I don't understand people!!!!
foodcritic
New Member
Have you thought of trying to get someone to come to your home? Maybe a college student who wants to make a few bucks or a retired person. This way your son can sleep in and not have to get up at some ungodly hour to got somewhere.
Sweet 16
^^8^^
I was going to say the same thing. 5:30AM is way early for a kid that doesn't have to be at school until 8:30. Perhaps OP needs to change THEIR schedule in order to find suitable daycare. I know it's not always feasible but it's part of being a parent, making sacrifices for the sake of your kids. It sucks sometimes, but it's reality.
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Bronwyn
Guest
I really wish my schedule was that flexable. I'm just grateful that we are able to be home after school and we don't have to work nights.
I used to be on the evening shift and it was easy to put my son on the bus every morning and he would be home in the evening with dad. But I hardly ever saw him. The hour in the morning just wasn't the same as the 5 hours I get every evening with him now!
Not to mention that I'm just grateful to be employed with a wonderful job as well these days! Just reality.