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The process for a minor to obtain a work permit in California is not complicated; however, it does require some time. A minor can request the California Department of Education form titled “Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit” from their school. A link to this form is provided below. The form requires the minor’s name, birthdate, Social Security number, and school information.
In addition, the form requires information from the prospective employer, including the type of work the minor will be expected to perform. The form must be signed by both the employer and the parent or guardian, indicating consent for the minor to be employed. The minor may not begin work until the form is completed, signed, and the “Permit to Employ and Work” has been issued by school officials.
If school is not in session, the permit may be obtained from the superintendent of the school district where the minor resides. Minor students aged 14 through 17 should follow the steps below to obtain and complete their work permit.
Students in Madera Unified must not have any D or F grades and must have adequate attendance.
You can access the form by clicking the link below.
Next Step
The minor should ask their parent or guardian for permission before seeking employment. Once the minor has found a potential employer, the minor, their parent or guardian, and the employer must complete the “Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit.” Completing this form requires basic information from the minor, the parent or guardian, and the employer.
Once the form is completed and signed by all parties, the minor must return it to their school. School officials can then issue the Permit to Employ and Work. If school is not in session, the completed form should be submitted to the superintendent of the minor’s school district so that the permit can be issued.
The school official issuing the permit will indicate the number of hours the minor may work per day and per week, as well as the times of day the minor is allowed to work. The permit will also include any limitations or restrictions deemed necessary by the school.
The completed permit must be provided to the employer and kept on file
Child labor laws had their origin in California during the late 1800’s in the field of agriculture. With California being a major base for the entertainment industry, California has more legislation regarding minors working in the entertainment than other states. Youth 15-18 must have a specific work permit for the entertainment industry while employers in this field and all other fields must have a permit to employ from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
Child Labor Laws in California For Minors Under 14
Currently, the California Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working because of the importance of protecting their physical, mental, and emotional development. California does allow 12 and 13 year olds to work certain jobs on non-school days, including holidays, vacations, and weekends. They are generally prohibited from working before, after, or during the school day. 12-13 year olds are permitted to do casual work, such as babysitting, yard work, and lawn mowing privately, and may be news carriers and deliver newspapers. Those 12-13 may work only on non-school days, up to 8 hours per day, and 40 hours per week. Minors under the age of 12 are prohibited from working. Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate.
Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors 14-15 may work in certain jobs but not ones considered hazardous. This includes selling alcohol, operating dangerous machinery with mowers or cutters, or performing office work for companies involved in the construction or transportation of aircrafts, vessels, automobiles, and trains. Those in this age group must obtain a work permit from the local school district prior to beginning a job to be filled out by the student and the employer. They need to have completed the seventh grade to work during the school year with the permit varying due to the health and academic needs of the youth. Minors 14-15 who are involved in learning activities may or may not be included under child labor laws depending on the nature of the learning experience. Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate.
The laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including,
When public school is in session:
No more than three hours on school days
A maximum of 18 hours per week
No work during school hours
Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
No more than eight hours per day on non-school days
When public school is not in session:
Not earlier than 7am and later than 7pm
No more than eight hours per day
No more than 40 hours per week from June 1 to Labor Day
Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of jobs but not ones considered too dangerous. Those 16-17 may not serve or sell alcohol, use power equipment, or work in demolition or roofing. School dropouts remain subject to the provisions of the Child Labor Law. Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate. The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,
When public school is in session:
A maximum of four hours per day on school days
A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
Not earlier than 5am and later than 10pm
A maximum of 48 hours per week
With the Labor Commissioner exception, may work up to 10 hours per day on non-school days in an agricultural packing shed in the peak harvest season
When public school is not in session:
A maximum of eight hours per day
Not earlier than 5am and later than 10pm
A maximum of 48 hours per week
With the Labor Commissioner exception, may work up to 10 hours per day in an agricultural packing shed in the peak harvest season