I am in a constant battle with the school PLEASE HELP!!!

That is what I am trying to get changed unfortunately, I don't get a say in it and the rest of the ARD committee is saying she can't be left alone.

Usually, in ARD paperwork for SpEd transportation, you have the option of saying whether the child can be dropped off with nobody home. Ask if this is something that can be changed in the ARD paperwork - this is the way I've always seen it done.

At what age does the law say a child may stay home alone?

If the school system contends that there is a federal law that applies to parents, ask to see it. Chances are it's a law that governs the school system, such as a law prohibiting it from dropping off a child below a certain age when there is no adult waiting to meet the child. Even though such a law wouldn't create a responsibility on your part, the school system could decline to transport your daughter if no one will be there to meet her.

Any law that would govern the parent would likely be a state law, not a federal law. Every state's laws on such matters are different. Not every state will even have a law. Well-meaning police may not know the law on such matters. For example, if you're a homicide detective or an undercover officer in the drug unit, you would have no reason to know whether there is such a law. Those working with juvenile delinquents are most likely to know of any applicable state law.

It may be that your local child-serving agency that deals with abuse and neglect might consider it inappropriate for a child of 11 to be home alone. You don't want a knock at your door from such an agency.

Frankly, 11 is too young to be home alone, even if the 11-year-old is mature. This is particularly true where she has a speech impediment which might make it difficult for her to summon help in an emergency.

There are options. Do you have a neighbor or friend who can meet your child at the bus stop and look after her for 30 minutes? Can you change your work schedule so you arrive 30 minutes early or reduce your lunch hour to 30 minutes, and then leave 30 minutes early? Is there an after-school program or activity and then a later bus?

Has your daughter been evaluated by the public school system? If so, get a copy of the evaluation report and see what it says. Does it say she is mentally handicapped? or just that she has a speech impediment? If you are not satisfied with the evaluation, you can request an evaluation from an expert in private practice, and the school system will pay for it. Read more at the Wrightslaw website at www.wrightslaw.com.

You and your daughter need some answers, and not just about the bus situation.

I'd like to help! I think that's wrong of them to do, but just want to give you a little info. though, in some states you have to be a certain age to be able to stay home alone by law. Our state you have to be 13yrs. old and older.