What is the minimum age of an assistant provider that can be left alone with children in care?

The minimum age of an assistant provider who can be left alone with children in care is 18. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals entrusted with the supervision and care of children have reached a level of maturity and legal status to handle the responsibilities that come with child care.

By setting the age at 18, regulations recognize that this age generally coincides with an individual's ability to make sound decisions, understand the complexities and dynamics of caregiving, and handle emergencies effectively. Additionally, this aligns with the developmental readiness and legal aspects, as individuals under 18 may not have the same level of accountability or experience necessary for unsupervised care of children. Thus, this regulation is designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the children in a family child care setting.