Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in California

What you need to know

Mary Schofield, Esq.

Of Counsel

June 29, 2020

Summary

California’s child labor laws are among the most complex in the United States. How do you as a homeschool parent guide and equip your child to take advantage of work opportunities? Our Attorney of Counsel in Califonia, Mary Schofield, has provided this helpful analysis and explanation of the Golden State’s child labor laws exclusively for HSLDA members.

Here’s what you need to know—and the questions Mary answers for you below:

Who needs a work permit—and when is a new permit needed?
How do homeschooled student obtain work permits—from a public school, an outside private school, or my private school (homeschool)? What if my child’s school doesn’t issue work permits and we don’t live in an area under a school district authority?
Do homeschooling parents need an additional administrator to issue permits (and does that require filing a new private school affidavit or not)? Do principals and administrators need to be certified?
What paperwork must be given to the local school district superintendent?
Where does a principal or administrator find the legal requirements for work permits that he is supposed to understand in order to complete the certification process?
How are work permits revoked?

At the end of this post, you’ll also find the legal tools you need to enable your child to start their first job:

Laws Related to Work Permits
Direct Links to Essential Forms & Other Legal Resources

Labor laws and work permit requirements are directed at employers. Employers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with state and federal labor laws. This analysis is a guide for homeschoolers seeking employment and should not be used as a guide for employers.

Note that issuing a form does not create a valid work permit; the form must be issued in compliance with the laws and if it is not, then the permit is not valid. A minor working without a valid permit could lose his job and his employer could be subject to fines. Additionally, if forms are issued unlawfully, it will likely result in renewed scrutiny of the work permit process and a push to enact stricter restrictions. See links to important forms and other resources at the bottom of this post.