need some help--possibly off-topic
wldr104
Hi all. I apologize if this is not in keeping with the structure of
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
Wendy in FL
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
Wendy in FL
Sandra Dodd
-=-So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs-=-
I wrote letters for both of my boys saying they were homeschooled,
citing the state's flexibility on "school days" (homeschoolers
declare their own schooldays), and said I could work around the hours
they needed Kirby (or Marty) to work.
If a kid goes to a private school that has a week off, the state laws
about school night don't apply; that kid's on vacation. So if a
place wants a kid to work late on Wednesdays, you could
(theoretically, if they were questioned, or whatever) just say that
Thursdays aren't schooldays at your school.
This might not apply where you are, but it worked fine here.
It didn't matter that they weren't registered. That's not the
store's problem at ALL, but the store could say "He did not have
school the next day," and "we have his mother's approval in writing"
and all like that. <g>
The law won't "make allowances for unschoolers," but you should be
able to make allowances for the law.
Tell them you "do your schooling" at night, or tell them the plain
truth--that because you are doing this flexibly at home, your 30
hours a week can easily fit around their schedules.
Maybe get your umbrella-school coordinator to write a letter stating
things like that.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs-=-
I wrote letters for both of my boys saying they were homeschooled,
citing the state's flexibility on "school days" (homeschoolers
declare their own schooldays), and said I could work around the hours
they needed Kirby (or Marty) to work.
If a kid goes to a private school that has a week off, the state laws
about school night don't apply; that kid's on vacation. So if a
place wants a kid to work late on Wednesdays, you could
(theoretically, if they were questioned, or whatever) just say that
Thursdays aren't schooldays at your school.
This might not apply where you are, but it worked fine here.
It didn't matter that they weren't registered. That's not the
store's problem at ALL, but the store could say "He did not have
school the next day," and "we have his mother's approval in writing"
and all like that. <g>
The law won't "make allowances for unschoolers," but you should be
able to make allowances for the law.
Tell them you "do your schooling" at night, or tell them the plain
truth--that because you are doing this flexibly at home, your 30
hours a week can easily fit around their schedules.
Maybe get your umbrella-school coordinator to write a letter stating
things like that.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lesa McMahon-Lowe
Wendy,
why doesn't he start his own business? could he mow lawns... do yard work
and landscaping... walk dogs... pressure wash decks and houses? my sis
lives in FL, so I know all of these things are always needed and wanted, esp
in the higher class neighborhoods... and being in FL is nice because you
aren't really restricted by the weather.
you all could sit down and brainstorm for ideas and then see what he wants
to do from there.
that's my 2 cents...
Lesa
http://lifeacademy.homeschooljournal.net
-------Original Message-------
From: wldr104
Date: 08/07/06 15:02:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] need some help--possibly off-topic
Hi all. I apologize if this is not in keeping with the structure of
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
Wendy in FL
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
why doesn't he start his own business? could he mow lawns... do yard work
and landscaping... walk dogs... pressure wash decks and houses? my sis
lives in FL, so I know all of these things are always needed and wanted, esp
in the higher class neighborhoods... and being in FL is nice because you
aren't really restricted by the weather.
you all could sit down and brainstorm for ideas and then see what he wants
to do from there.
that's my 2 cents...
Lesa
http://lifeacademy.homeschooljournal.net
-------Original Message-------
From: wldr104
Date: 08/07/06 15:02:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] need some help--possibly off-topic
Hi all. I apologize if this is not in keeping with the structure of
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
Wendy in FL
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: wenrom31@...
Hi all. I apologize if this is not in keeping with the structure of
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
--=-=-=-
Cameron's first job was at a deli making the milkshakes and scooping
the ice cream cones. He cleaned and was available on "off" hours. He
even volunteered to come in and clean on Easter Sunday. They LOVED him!
<G> They paid him under the table until he turned 15. Then he filled
out the W-2 and got paid for real. He worked there for almost a year
when he went to work for a caterer.
Cam's been housesitting for years though---BIG money in that. He spends
the night and cares for the plants and pets and house.
We haven't had any problems with the law. <g> We just haven't followed
it! <bwg>
I know that there are social security forms you can fill out as a
homeschooler (NOT as an unschooler!) to get by the underage laws. We
never used them, but I know they are out there. I'd suggest just
hooking up with a local place where you do a LOT of business (like our
deli) or a grocery nearby where they see him out and about during the
day. Or have him start his own business---like the pet/houseesitting or
poop-scooping (I keep telling people about this that business and
NOBODY takes me up on it! It would be ESPCECIALLY good in FL where all
those elderly have dogs but don't want to go out and scoop---he could
make a mint!!!)
It IS possible, you just have o do the legwork. Call the SS office.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"It's a small world...but a BIG life!" ~Aaron McGlohn. aged 6
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email
and IM. All on demand. Always Free.
From: wenrom31@...
Hi all. I apologize if this is not in keeping with the structure of
the list. I know that questions regarding local homeschooling laws
are discouraged. I'm not sure where this one falls. If anyone has
any answers, please feel free to e-mail me privately if you like.
I'm looking for some info on behalf of my (15 yo next week) son. He
has suddenly become very interested in getting a job, but my
understanding of the law (we're in FL) is that he will be very
limited in terms of hours he can work during the school year and
places that can hire a fifteen year old. We are not registered with
our county's homeschooling division, but are enrolled in an umbrella
school where we only submit "attendance." Still, as I would have
expected, the law does not seem to make allowances for unschoolers.
So my son had the bright idea that perhaps some of the parents on
this list may have children his age who have gotten jobs. Any ideas
for getting around the restrictions? I know that having a GED is one
option for avoiding being bound to the local "school schedule," but
he has to be 18 for that, plus does not feel ready for it. Perhaps
he should just wait a year or so. I want to help him as much as I
can, but I'm stuck. I've suggested perhaps voluntering somewhere
until he's a bit older, but his motivation for getting a job is
making some money to save for a future car, so he's not interested.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.
--=-=-=-
Cameron's first job was at a deli making the milkshakes and scooping
the ice cream cones. He cleaned and was available on "off" hours. He
even volunteered to come in and clean on Easter Sunday. They LOVED him!
<G> They paid him under the table until he turned 15. Then he filled
out the W-2 and got paid for real. He worked there for almost a year
when he went to work for a caterer.
Cam's been housesitting for years though---BIG money in that. He spends
the night and cares for the plants and pets and house.
We haven't had any problems with the law. <g> We just haven't followed
it! <bwg>
I know that there are social security forms you can fill out as a
homeschooler (NOT as an unschooler!) to get by the underage laws. We
never used them, but I know they are out there. I'd suggest just
hooking up with a local place where you do a LOT of business (like our
deli) or a grocery nearby where they see him out and about during the
day. Or have him start his own business---like the pet/houseesitting or
poop-scooping (I keep telling people about this that business and
NOBODY takes me up on it! It would be ESPCECIALLY good in FL where all
those elderly have dogs but don't want to go out and scoop---he could
make a mint!!!)
It IS possible, you just have o do the legwork. Call the SS office.
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
"It's a small world...but a BIG life!" ~Aaron McGlohn. aged 6
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email
and IM. All on demand. Always Free.
Paula Sjogerman
On Aug 7, 2006, at 3:09 PM, Sandra Dodd wrote:
to also get Zoe a work permit (needed in Illinois from 14-16) but she
ended up getting paid under the table.
Check your state laws and figure out what you absolutely have to do
and work around the rest. School hours could be anything.
Paula
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> f a kid goes to a private school that has a week off, the state lawsThis is exactly what we were prepared to do. I did all the prep work
> about school night don't apply; that kid's on vacation. So if a
> place wants a kid to work late on Wednesdays, you could
> (theoretically, if they were questioned, or whatever) just say that
> Thursdays aren't schooldays at your school.
>
> This might not apply where you are, but it worked fine here.
>
> It didn't matter that they weren't registered. That's not the
> store's problem at ALL, but the store could say "He did not have
> school the next day," and "we have his mother's approval in writing"
> and all like that. <g>
>
> The law won't "make allowances for unschoolers," but you should be
> able to make allowances for the law.
>
> Tell them you "do your schooling" at night, or tell them the plain
> truth--that because you are doing this flexibly at home, your 30
> hours a week can easily fit around their schedules.
to also get Zoe a work permit (needed in Illinois from 14-16) but she
ended up getting paid under the table.
Check your state laws and figure out what you absolutely have to do
and work around the rest. School hours could be anything.
Paula
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lesa McMahon-Lowe
Good thing I wasn't taking a drink when I read that... or it would be all
over the computer screen right now LOL
Lesa
http://lifeacademy.homeschooljournal.net
-------Original Message-------
From: kbcdlovejo@...
Date: 08/07/06 15:41:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] need some help--possibly off-topic
We haven't had any problems with the law. <g> We just haven't followed
it! <bwg>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
over the computer screen right now LOL
Lesa
http://lifeacademy.homeschooljournal.net
-------Original Message-------
From: kbcdlovejo@...
Date: 08/07/06 15:41:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] need some help--possibly off-topic
We haven't had any problems with the law. <g> We just haven't followed
it! <bwg>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Angela S.
My youngest dd (9 almost 10) really enjoys her pen pals. (pony pen pals, of
course) She has four of them right now and just sent for 2 more. She
always looks forward to their letters and she is pretty prompt about writing
back. She has almost always written her letters on the computer and printed
them out because she didn't feel like her hand writing was neat enough to be
legible. (and sometimes it wasn't) Quite often her pen pals write back to
her in long hand and she has noticed how neat some of them write. I think
it inspired her to try harder to write neatly. This last batch of pen pal
letters that she sent out were all written in long hand and they were not
only neat, but she actually used capital and lowercase letters
appropriately. Since she began writing, she's used almost exclusively
capital letters when writing in long hand. She just found it easier than
printing lower case letters. When writing on the computer she has always
used both lower case and upper case letters. I was pleasantly surprised at
just how lovely her letters were. The punctuation was right on too, except
in one or two places. It never ceases to amaze me to see how things all
come together when the kids have a purpose for something and they are ready
for it.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
course) She has four of them right now and just sent for 2 more. She
always looks forward to their letters and she is pretty prompt about writing
back. She has almost always written her letters on the computer and printed
them out because she didn't feel like her hand writing was neat enough to be
legible. (and sometimes it wasn't) Quite often her pen pals write back to
her in long hand and she has noticed how neat some of them write. I think
it inspired her to try harder to write neatly. This last batch of pen pal
letters that she sent out were all written in long hand and they were not
only neat, but she actually used capital and lowercase letters
appropriately. Since she began writing, she's used almost exclusively
capital letters when writing in long hand. She just found it easier than
printing lower case letters. When writing on the computer she has always
used both lower case and upper case letters. I was pleasantly surprised at
just how lovely her letters were. The punctuation was right on too, except
in one or two places. It never ceases to amaze me to see how things all
come together when the kids have a purpose for something and they are ready
for it.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Thank you to everyone who has offered ideas and encouragement about my son's
job quest. You all have really given us some great places to start, but
more than anything, you've given me a much-needed boost in confidence. I was
feeling rather restricted by the "school-oriented" laws, but now I'm reminded
that we intentionally live our lives outside of the school bubble and that we
can do whatever we put our minds to. I needed a dose of reality. Thanks
again.
Wendy in FL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
job quest. You all have really given us some great places to start, but
more than anything, you've given me a much-needed boost in confidence. I was
feeling rather restricted by the "school-oriented" laws, but now I'm reminded
that we intentionally live our lives outside of the school bubble and that we
can do whatever we put our minds to. I needed a dose of reality. Thanks
again.
Wendy in FL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]