Employment of Minors
Employers are generally subject to both state child labor laws and the federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. 212(c), and the FLSA regulations at 29 CFR Part 570. Certain provisions of Connecticut state law may be less restrictive than federal law, and employers covered by the FLSA that only follow a less restrictive provision of Connecticut state law will be in violation of federal law. See 29 U.S.C. 218(a). For more information on federal child labor law, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division Website.
Permitted and Prohibited Places of Employment, Time and Hour Restrictions, and Exemptions
Exemptions from Child Labor Laws
Connecticut laws allow minors under the age of 18 who have graduated from high school to work at the same daily and weekly hours and times of day as adults. Minors who are high school graduates are exempt from Connecticut employment prohibited to minors, but not from the federal employment prohibitions.
Employers subject to coverage by both state and federal laws regulating the employment of minors must comply with the more stringent provisions of the two laws.
Minors Laws in the Workplace
- Sec. 31-13 - Hours of labor of minors, persons in mercantile establishments
- Sec. 31-18 - Hours of labor of minors (restaurants)
- Sec. 31-23d - Working Papers
- Sec. 31-14 - Night work of minors
- Sec. 31-23(a) - Prohibited Employment for Minors in the Workplace
- Sec. 31-24 - Hazardous employment of children forbidden
Resources
Community-Based Vocational Training Programs for Students Receiving Special Education Application Form
This application is for community-based vocational training programs for students receiving special education for students under an individualized education program (IEP).
Connecticut’s Working Papers Manual
Guidelines and Procedures for the Employment of Minors in Connecticut - Connecticut State Department of Education 2021.
Getting The Facts To Promote Young Worker Safety in Connecticut
Information Concerning Young Worker Safety in Connecticut - National Data, Connecticut Data, Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Data, Connecticut Young Worker Safety Team, Preventing Young Worker Injuries, Resources.
Steps in Obtaining Working Papers for Minors
7 Steps in Obtaining Working Papers for Minors.
Promise of Employment Letter
Download or copy on company letterhead - the requested information is required in order to issue Working Papers. Required Information in a Promise of Employment Letter.
Employers' Checklist for Employment of Minors
Helps employers comply with the child labor provisions by providing guidance.