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Division of Labor Standards
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Frequently Asked Questions - Youth Employment

Tips for School Officials

  • Be aware of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that apply to your local participating businesses.
  • Make your students aware of safety and health requirements by posting an OSHA poster in your classrooms. To order call (202) 693-1888 and request publication number 2203.
  • Provide general safety and health training in your schools regularly.
  • Verify that the employers provide specific industry training in the workplace.
  • Be knowledgable about Missouri child labor laws and restrictions.
  • Check all aspects of a work certificate prior to issuing it in order to ensure compliance with Missouri child labor law.
Q.  What is a work certificate?
A.  Any person who is 14 or 15 years old must give an employer a completed work certificate before working during school months.  The work certificate is approved and issued by the local public school superintendent's office and requires parental consent.  You can get a work certificate form by contacting the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
 
Q.  What documentation should school officials review before issuing a work certificate?
A.  From the parent or legal guardian: written consent for the job described, proof of age as shown by a birth certificate or other documentary evidence.
From the prospective employer: information stating the nature of the work and the hours of employment.
From the school: a certificate from the administrator of the child's school showing the grades of the schoolwork completed.
 
Q.  Can the superintendent of the public school deny a work certificate?
A.  The superintendent (issuing officer) may issue a work certificate when deemed the "employment will serve the best interest of the child." If the employment would be perceived by the issuing officer as "not in the best interest of the child" the work certificate should not be issued. Examples for not issuing: Time or hours of work listed are not in compliance with statutes, duties of the job are prohibited, the work in question could negatively affect a child's current or future academic standing, or the youth does not reside within the school district boundaries.
ADDITIONALLY: If a superintendent determines that a work permit issued by the Division for children employed in the entertainment industry should be revoked because that employment is not in the best interest of the child, the superintendent may make such a request to the Division.
 
Q.  Does the superintendent of the public school need to sign off on the work certificate even if the youth is a private or home-schooled student?
A.  Yes.  Missouri law requires that work certificates are issued and signed by or under the direction of the superintendent of public schools in the district where the child lives.
 
Q.  What is a work permit?
A.  A work permit is more commonly called an entertainment permit.  This form is issued by the Division of Labor Standards to permit a youth under age 16 to work in the entertainment industry.  A completed entertainment permit form must be submitted to the Division with proof of birth.  Turn around time is generally within 48 hours.  You can obtain a copy of the permit here on this web site or by calling the Division of Labor Standards at (573) 751-3403.
 
Q.  At what age can a young person start working?
A.  Young people under the age of 14 are allowed to work only in limited areas such as the entertainment industry.  An entertainment permit is required to do so.  You can obtain a permit on this web site, or by calling the Division of Labor Standards at (573) 751-3403.
 
Q.  What jobs are not allowable for 14- and 15-year-olds?
A.  Prohibited occupations generally involve dangerous equipment (cookers, slicers), dangerous materials (such as toxic chemicals), or dangerous duties (driving, roofing).  In addition there are specific restrictions on employment of youth in hotels and businesses that sell alcoholic beverages.  For more information contact the Missouri Division of Labor Standards at (573) 751-3403.
 
Q.  Under Missouri law, what times and hours can 14- and 15-year-olds work?
A.  Minors may be employed:
  • Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year
  • Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day
  • No more than three hours a day on school days
  • No more than eight hours a day on non-school days
  • No more than six days or forty hours in a week
 
Q.  If a young person works for a parent does the law still apply?
A.  The only allowable exemption from the law is when the business is owned by the parent or legal guardian and the child remains under the direct control of the parent or legal guardian. If the parent is simply a supervisor, the law still applies.
 
Q.  Can youth work in magazine, door-to-door and street sales?
A.  Employment of youth under the age of sixteen in any occupation considered to be door-to-door sales, or in any other kind of "street occupation", is prohibited. The prohibition does not apply to charitable entities (church, school, scouts, etc.).