HOPE: Home Organization of Parent Educators (VA)
 

FAQs



Q:

Where can I find information about the Virginia homeschool laws?

A:

The Home Educators Association of Virginia website, www.heav.org, or the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, www.hslda.org, can answer all your questions about homeschooling in Virginia.

Q:

When is the deadline for submitting a Notice of Intent form to the division superintendent?

A:

August 15

Q:

When is the deadline for sending evidence of progress (testing, evaluation, or portfolio) to the division superintendent?

A:

August 1

Q:

Can I teach my child to drive?

A:

Yes. Read about driver education in VA at the HEAV website.

Q:

At what age can I leave my child at home unsupervised?

A:
Updated 2026.07.4
 
Prince William County Child Protective Services offers the following guidelines (not law):
  • Ages 0-8 - May not be left unsupervised
  • Ages 9-10 - No more than 1.5 hours alone, during daylight/early evening
  • Ages 11-12 - No more than 3 hours alone, during daylight/early evening
  • Ages 13-15 - May be left alone all day
  • Ages 16-17 - May be left alone all night or over the weekend

 * Northern Virginia jurisdictions involved in the development of these guidelines include those in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William.

Q:

At what age can an older sibling babysit a younger sibling?

A:
Prince William County Child Protective Services offers the following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP:
  • Age 13 years - May babysit children up to four hours
  • Ages 14-15 - May babysit more than four hours--not overnight
  • Ages 16-17 - May babysit children overnight or over the weekend

Parents are ultimately responsible for their children.
There is no “official” age that means a child has the skills and maturity level to be left alone. Consider specific circumstances and the child.
Every child is different, maturing and developing life skills at very different ages.
Even children in the same home are often ready at different ages! 

Q:

How do I get an Employment Certificate for my 14 or 15 year old teen?

A:

Virginia Child Labor Laws 2024

Please access the Virginia Department of Labor Website for the latest requirements for employment and to apply for a permit.

All 14-15 year old workers in Virginia are required to obtain an Employment Certificate (Work Permit). Upon completion of all 3 sections, generally the system will issue permits within 24 hours of your request. 

 

 
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