Employing Minors

Units considering hiring people who are 14, 15, 16 and 17 years old must know the Delaware Department of Labor's child labor law. Please be sure that all hiring personnel in your unit are aware of the following restrictions:

1. Children under 14 cannot work.
2. Children 14 and 15 must obtain an employment certificate signed by their school principal and their parent or legal guardian. The child must obtain an application form from the Department of Labor or school district office and have the prospective employer complete the top and bottom sections. The child then returns the application to the high school in order to obtain a signed certificate that the employer must then keep on file. They cannot work during school hours and before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day). Children may not work more than 4 hours per day and no more than 18 hours per week (8 hours per day on non-school days and 40 hours per week in non-school weeks). There are additional restrictions on the kinds of dangerous work they may perform.
3. Children 16 and 17 must also have an employment certificate. The employer completes only the top half of the application. Neither the principal nor parents need sign. However, an authorized representative of the Department of Labor must verify the child's age and sign the certificate. Several school officials in each district have been designated as official representatives. The employer must keep this certificate on file.
4. No exceptions are ever granted to this provision. Whether resident or non-resident, in school or graduated, a person under 18 needs "work papers."
5. Fines for violation of these laws can be up to $10,000.