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Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
The Iowa Office of the Director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL)administers the child labor laws.
- The following are generally not required to comply with Iowa child labor law:
- Volunteer work for a charitable or public purpose.
- Referees 12 years of age or older working for a charitable organization, a unit of government, or an organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.
The Iowa Summer Youth Corps Program. - Any recognized program of the Iowa National Service Corps for children over 14.
Work age
Youths must be:
- Children 16 and 17 years old are prohibited from doing certain dangerous tasks and from certain dangerous occupations.
- Children 14 and 15 years old have additional restrictions, there are limits on the time and hours they can work.
Work hours
Youths under 16 may work
School in Session
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- 6-hour shift on school days
- 8-hour shift on weekend days
- 30-minute break after 5 hours worked
- 28 hours per week
School Not in Session
- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- 8-hour work day
- 30-minute break after 5 hours worked
- 40 hours per week
Youths 16-18 do not have restrictions on the hours of work.
Breaks
Youths must be given a 30-minute break every five hours.
Permits
Youth under need not have a work permit.
Employers may apply for a waiver for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in approved work-based learning or work-related programs involving certain hazardous work activities under certain conditions.
State
Contact
Iowa Office of the Director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL)
Iowa Workforce Development Labor Services Division
Regulations
The Iowa child labor requirements can be found in the Iowa Code, Chapter 92.
Federal
Contact
The Department of Labor is the sole federal agency that monitors child labor and enforces child labor laws. Enforcement of the Fair Labor Standard Act's child labor provisions is handled by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department’s Employment Standards Administration.
Regulations
U.S. child labor regulations can be found in CFR 29:
Part 570 Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements of Interpretation
Part 575 Waiver of Child Labor Provisions for Agricultural Employment of 10 and 11 Year Old Minors In Hand Harvesting of Short Season Crops
Part 579 Child Labor Violations – Civil Money Penalties