The state of Wisconsin allows parents to homeschool their children as long as they follow specific rules and regulations. Homeschoolers in Wisconsin have the same rights and responsibilities as public school students and are able to work in the same way.
But with homeschooling, parents must be aware of the length of time their child can be employed as well as the law governing it. This article covers some questions related to how long can a homeschool child work in Wisconsin.
1. What Are the Rules for Working While Homeschooling in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction states that homeschool students are permitted to work under the same rules and regulations as public school students. The state requires that homeschoolers complete 180 days of instruction and retain attendance records, but does not provide specific guidelines regarding the hours a homeschooler can work. The Department of Public Instruction does suggest that parents of homeschoolers ensure their child does not become too overwhelmed by their work schedule as this could adversely affect their education.
While homeschooling, the state permits students to work in the same way as public school students. Depending on their age, homeschoolers in Wisconsin can work in non-hazardous occupations, such as working in stores, restaurants, retail environments, or engaging in any other job regarded as safe by the State of Wisconsin.
They also have the right to apply for jobs that have traditionally been unavailable to public school students, like freelancing and working with family businesses. As with public school students, Wisconsin homeschoolers may work a maximum of four hours a day and 20 hours per week while attending classes, and are limited to eight hours a day and 40 hours per week during vacation periods and holiday. Furthermore, the minimum age for employment has been set at 14, though younger students can participate in child entertainers and student-learners programs.
2. Is There a Different Rule for Working During Homeschooling in Wisconsin?
No, homeschooled students in Wisconsin are permitted to work according to the same rules as public school students. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction clearly states that homeschoolers must adhere to the same regulations as public school students when it comes to hours, wages, and conditions of employment and that they should not be treated any differently by employers.
This means the same rules apply when it comes to the maximum hours in a day or in a week that a student can work. Furthermore, the same wage laws apply to all students, whether homeschooled or attending a public school. In particular, 14 to 17-year-olds must be paid at least the state minimum wage for the type of work they are doing.
Of course, employers can choose to pay their employees more than the minimum wage if they wish. This can be particularly beneficial to homeschoolers, as they can often negotiate higher wages as they are not bound by the same curriculum and other restrictions as public school students.
Such negotiations should be discussed between the employer and employee prior to any employment agreement being put in place.
3. How Should Parents Go About Finding Jobs for Their Homeschooled Child?
There are various ways parents can help their homeschooled child find appropriate job opportunities. The first is to contact local businesses and inquire about any job openings they may have.
While this is a good way to discover job postings, it should also be noted that many employers are now using online job boards and other digital media to advertise their positions. It is therefore important for homeschooling parents to help their child create an online profile and register for job postings. This will ensure their availability for potential employers and make it easier for them to apply for positions.
Additionally, parents can look into job search resources and career development programs available in their community to help their child gain employment. It is also important for parents to bear in mind the laws governing the employment of minors in the state of Wisconsin.
These include providing parental consent forms and ensuring their child knows the laws and regulations of the position they are applying for. The Department of Workforce Development has an Employment and Training program in place to help homeschoolers get the information they need before they apply for any job.
4. Is Any Further Documentation Required for Working while Homeschooling in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are certain documents that must be presented to an employer prior to employment. These include providing evidence of the student’s age and parental consent forms.
The age of the student should be supported by a birth certificate, a driver’s license, a Wisconsin ID card, or any other valid form of identification. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction also requires that each student provide a certificate of attendance. This document should include the dates of attendance, the instructor’s name, the course subject, and any other information needed to reflect the duration of the student’s education.
Additionally, students must provide a letter from their parents or guardians stating that the student is allowed to work and is capable of doing so. Furthermore, students intending to work in hazardous jobs must obtain a permit to do so. Under the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, minors may not engage in hazardous occupations such as operating power-driven machinery, roofing and excavation, or any type of job that involves the handling of toxic chemicals or hazardous materials.
5. Are There Any Resources Available to Help with Financing Homeschooling?
Yes, the Department of Public Instruction in Wisconsin provides assistance in helping parents to finance the homeschooling of their children. Besides providing information on grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs, the department can also refer homeschool families to the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides a tuition-based voucher for students attending private academic institutions. This voucher could be used to cover some fees associated with homeschooling and other educational programs.
Additionally, families can access the Parental Choice Scholarship Program (PCSP) from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which helps families to connect with potential financial sponsors and provides assistance for the costs of tuition, books, fees, and other related expenses for students attending private schools. The Department of Public Education also suggests that families seek out private scholarship opportunities from organizations such as local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and other related groups.
These can offer additional help in reducing the cost of homeschooling.
Conclusion
As this article has demonstrated, homeschoolers in Wisconsin have the same rights and responsibilities as public school students when it comes to working. While the argument of how long a homeschooled student can work largely depends on their age, it is important that parents be aware of the specific regulations, documents, and resources available to them.
With this knowledge and the relevant regulations in mind, homeschoolers in Wisconsin are allowed to work in non-hazardous occupations, such as working in stores, restaurants, retail environments, or engaging in any other job regarded as safe by the State of Wisconsin.