New York State has one of the strictest child labor laws in the country The hours that minors can work depend on age, the type of work, and whether the minor is attending school. Minors of any age may not work during school hours, unless they have graduated or withdrawn from school. Home-schooled children may not work during the hours of the local public school. The law makes exceptions for: Babysitters Caddies Farm laborers Newspaper carriers Performers Models T HE LAW LIMITS THE NUMBER OF HOURS THAT MINORS UNDER 18 MAY WORK WHEN SCHOOL IS IN SESSION.

MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT  Minors not yet 14 may not be employed at any time, neither after school nor during vacation  Minors 14 and 15 years old may work after school hours and during vacations, but not in factory work.  They may do delivery and clerical work in any enclosed office of a factory, and in dry cleaning, tailor, shoe repair, and similar service stores.  Minors 16 and 17 years of age, if not attending school, may work full time throughout the year.  Factory work is permitted for minors 16 years of age or older.

Working Papers Facts for Teens under 18 Facts for Teens under 18 In NYS, anyone under 18 (minors) must show an employment certificate before they may begin work. Many people call this “working papers." The rule covers: High school graduates Minors who work for their parents Minors who do industrial home work School officials issue all working papers, except for child performer permits.

How to Get Working Papers First, get an application form at one of these places:  New York State: All young people, in or out of school, can apply at any public high school or school district office-  Nurse  Guidance  FHS during summer  During school vacation periods, these offices stay open part-time to issue working papers.

1.Take the application form home and have your parent or guardian sign it. You will need to gather:  Proof of age (your birth or baptism record, schooling record, or passport)  A written statement from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that you are physically fit to work. 2.Bring these items to the office. If your application is complete, working papers can be issued to you on the spot for part-time work during the school session. It will also allow you to work full-time during school vacation periods. If you are a high school graduate, you can get a full-time employment certificate. What to do

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE By Law it’s your job Full-time school is compulsory for minors under 16 years old. A community can require minors who are not employed to attend school until they reach age 17 or graduate. High school graduates, regardless of age, are not required to continue attending school. However, they must provide an employer with a Full-time Employment Certificate until they reach their 18th birthday.

Types of Working Papers Student Non-Factory Employment Certificate - AT-18 (blue paper)  Issued to youth ages 14 and 15 who plan to work at permitted occupations during vacations or after school hours  Not valid for work: In factory workrooms or construction Involving use of prohibited machinery or chemical processes As a helper on a motor vehicle Cleaning, oiling, wiping or adjusting belts to machinery

You may work: Between 7 AM and 7 PM During vacation (school must be closed for the entire week), you may work: 8 hours a day between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM 6 days, 40 hours a week If You Are 14 or 15 You may not: Work in construction or in any factory workroom, Use most power-driven equipment, Use washing, grinding, cutting slicing, pressing or mixing machinery (whether or not it is power-driven) When school is in session, you may work:  Monday- Friday - 3 hrs/day  Saturday, Sunday, holidays- 8 hrs/day  Maximum 18 hrs/wk, and no more than 6 days a week

Student General Employment Certificate - AT-19 (green paper)  Issued to youth ages 16 and 17 who attend school and plan to work during vacations or after school hours  Valid for work in a factory and other trade, business or service Not valid for hazardous employment such as: Operating certain machines Doing construction work Helping on a motor vehicle Cleaning, oiling, wiping or adjusting belts to machinery

You may work: Between 6 AM and 10 PM To work between 10 PM and midnight on a day before a school day, you need written permission from a parent or guardian and from your school. You need written permission from only your parent or guardian to work between 10 PM and midnight on a day before a non-school day. If You Are 16 or 17 You may work in a factory, as well as other places BUT you still cannot work in construction. When school is in session, you may work:  Monday-Thursday- 4 hrs/day  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays- 8 hrs/day  Maximum 28 hrs/wk, and no more than 6 days a week During vacation (school must be closed for the entire week), you may work: 8 hours a day between the hours of 6 AM and midnight. 6 days, 48 hours a week During vacation (school must be closed for the entire week), you may work: 8 hours a day between the hours of 6 AM and midnight. 6 days, 48 hours a week

Full-Time Employment Certificate – AT-20 (salmon paper)  Issued to youth ages 16 and 17, who are not attending school or who are leaving school for full-time employment  Valid for factory or other types of work Not valid for hazardous employment such as: Operating certain machines Doing construction work Helping on a motor vehicle Cleaning, oiling, wiping or adjusting belts to machinery

1- Students 14 and 15 enrolled in an approved work study program may work 3 hours on a school day, 23 hours in any one week when school is in session. 2- Students 16 and 17 enrolled in an approved Cooperative Education Program may work up to 6 hours on a day preceding a school day other than Sunday or Holiday when school is in session as long as the hours are in conjuction with the Program. 3-May work 6 AM to 10 PM or until midnight with written parental and educational authorities consent on day preceding a school day and until midnight on day preceding a non-school day with written parental consent. 4- This provision does not apply to minors employed in resort hotels or restaurants in resort areas.

Job-hunting tips for teens 1. Get your working papers. Before you apply for a job, make sure you have an employment certificate, which New York State requires for anyone under 18. School officials issue the certificates, known informally as working papers. 2. Create a resume. Highlight your experience, including baby-sitting, mowing lawns and volunteer work. 3. Tell friends and neighbors you’re looking for a job. “The more you can get the word out that you’re looking, the greater the potential for finding a job.” 4. Be flexible. Show a prospective boss you are willing to work a variety of schedules. “The more you are available, the better your chances of being hired.” 5. Be gracious. Send a thank-you card after an interview. “That really can make a big difference.” Teenage job seekers face tough competition in the crowded employment market. Here are some tips from Alison Doyle, a job- search expert for About.com, to help teens stand out: