Ohio Rules on Employing Minors

In Ohio, except as otherwise provided, no minor of compulsory school age may be employed unless the minor presents to the employer a proper age-and-schooling certificate. The employer must keep the certificate on file and available for inspection by any enforcement official. Exceptions to this rule may be made for minors 16 and 17 during summer vacation. No certificate is necessary during vacation months if the minor has parent/guardian permission and proof of age (being 16 or over).

Any child over 14 years of age employed during hours when the public school to which the minor is assigned is not in session in occupations not prohibited under the state's child labor law, may upon application receive from the certificate-issuing authority of the school district in which the minor lives a part-time and vacation certificate. These certificates must be filed and returned by employers under the same conditions and penalties as apply to regular age and schooling certificates. No part-time and vacation certificate is required of minors aged 16 and 17.

Certificates are obtained from the superintendent of schools and returned to the superintendent when the minor ceases employment.