It’s a common misunderstanding that 16-and 17-year-olds cannot be hired as Home Care Aides. This confusion creates real barriers for high school students under 18, especially those enrolled in their school’s High School Home Care Aide course. These students earn credit toward graduation, learn hands-on caregiving skills, and complete training that meets state requirements. After the class, they can take the Home Care Aide exam to earn their certification. 

This was highlighted again when a high school student finished their Home Care Aide training class and applied for caregiving jobs, only to hear from several employers that they couldn’t hire someone under 18. Carly Seagren, the High School Home Care Aide Program Liaison, has been working to clear up this misunderstanding by reviewing state rules and working with partner organizations to confirm that minors can be hired as Home Care Aides in specific settings. With support from Workforce Navigator Naomi Spector, they began meeting with the high school, home care agencies, and the Department of Labor & Industries to help employers understand what is allowed. 
 

Where Minors Can Work

These settings must follow L&I youth employment rules. 

Under current rules, 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds can work as paid caregivers in:

• Licensed Home Care Agencies
• Assisted Living Facilities (must have at least one caregiver age 18 or older with CPR and first aid on site at all times)

Where Minors Cannot Work

These restrictions apply statewide. Minors cannot work:

• For Adult Family Homes
• As Individual Providers

How the High School HCA Program Fits In

The High School Home Care Aide Training Program is offered in a growing number of Washington high schools. Students earn credit while learning hands-on caregiving skills. They complete training that meets state requirements. After the class, they take the HCA exam to earn their certification. 

These young caregivers are already helping fill workforce gaps across the state. Employers say students bring strong skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. 

One home care agency that recently hired a 17-year-old certified HCA shared that young caregivers are reliable, well prepared, organized, and tech savvy. They communicate well, complete documentation on time, and often show more flexibility with scheduling and travel. With good supervision and onboarding, they grow quickly into confident and capable caregivers. 
 

What Employers Must Do Before Hiring a Minor

The rules come from DSHS and L&I. This guide is here to make the hiring process easier. It does not replace official regulations or agency guidance.

Employers must follow L&I youth employment rules. During employment, employers must follow rules for work hours, wages, breaks, and safety. This includes:

• Have a Minor Work Permit Endorsement
• Collect a Parent/School or Parent/Summer Authorization Form
• Verify the minor's age and keep documentaiton on file
• Review prohibited duties
• Submit a Minor Work Variance Application (requires parent/guardian signature) if needed

Why This Matters

Hiring qualified minors helps employers build a stronger and more diverse caregiving workforce. It also opens doors for young people who want meaningful work and a pathway into healthcare. Many students who start as Home Care Aides may or plan to go on to become CNAs, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
 

Helpful contacts:

• L&I Youth Employment: teensafety@lni.wa.gov
• DSHS High School HCA Program: highschoolhca@dshs.wa.gov
   

Resources:

• DSHS Hiring a Minor as a Caregiver Webpage
• Prohibited duties for minors
• Minor Work Variance Application
• L&I Non-Agricultural Employment of Minors WAC
• L&I Youth Employment Page
• L&I Driving by Minors Administrative Policy (PDF)
• Federal Child Labor Laws (PDF)