California Homeschool – How to get a work permit for your child

Hi everyone! It’s Morin Jacobson from Digital Homeschool Pro, and I’m here to guide you through a crucial aspect of homeschooling in California: work permits. As California homeschoolers, we file a Private School Affidavit (PSA), and that means there’s specific paperwork involved when our children want to work. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process, showing you what forms you need, how to fill them out, and what to do with them once they’re complete.

Starting with the California Department of Education

The best place to begin your research is the California Department of Education (CDE) website. Head over to cde.ca.gov and look for their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on work permits. This section is packed with valuable information, providing answers to many of your initial questions. You’ll also find links to the specific forms you’ll need.

california-department-of-education-website

Know Your Teen’s Rights (PDF Resources)

The CDE offers a helpful “Know Your Rights” PDF, which is a great resource to share with your teen. It covers essential topics like:

cde-know-your-rights-PDF-resources

• Earning statements: Understanding deductions like FICA and other taxes.
• Minimum wage: Information on the current minimum wage, including specifics for certain industries like fast food.
• Breaks: California law mandates a 10-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours of work and a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours of work.

It’s crucial for both you and your teen to be aware of these rights.

Restricted Jobs for Teens

The “Know Your Rights” PDF also outlines jobs that 14 and 15-year-old workers cannot do. These restrictions are in place to protect young workers and include:

• Driving a motor vehicle on public streets.
• Operating heavy or power-driven equipment.
• Working in occupations like logging, demolition, excavation, or roofing.
• Preparing, serving, or selling alcoholic beverages.
• Exposure to radiation in certain fields.

These restrictions are detailed further in the California child labor laws.

California Child Labor Laws

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the California child labor laws. While the most recent comprehensive document may be from 2013, it’s the standard we follow. These laws cover various aspects of youth employment, including:

• Permits to employ and work.
• Wages and hours of work.
• Minimum ages.
• Restricted and prohibited occupations.
• Specific regulations for those working in the entertainment industry.

Remember, as the principal of your homeschool (or designated administrator), you are responsible for knowing these laws.

The Required Forms

You’ll need to complete three main forms from the CDE:

• CDE Form B1-1: Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for Work Permit/Certificate of Age
• CDE Form B1-8: Statement of Intent for Self-Certification for Permit to Employ and Work
• CDE Form B1-4: Permit to Employ and Work

(Note: CDE Form B1-6 is for volunteers, which is a separate process.)

Let’s Break Down the Forms

• CDE Form B1-1:

  

  cde-form-b1-1

  • This form begins with the minor’s information and your homeschool information.
  • As the parent or legal guardian, you’ll sign this portion.
  • Your teen will take this form to their prospective employer, who will complete their section.
  • Crucially, the “Verifying Authority” signature cannot be your own. If you homeschool under a PSA, you’ll need someone else to act as the verifying authority. I used a trusted neighbor and added her as an administrator to our homeschool for this purpose.
  • You’ll also need to provide proof of the minor’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.

• CDE Form B1-8:

  

  cde-form-b1-8

  • This form is completed by the private school principal or designated administrator (in our case, my husband).
  • You’ll need your PSA code, which you can usually find in an email from the California Department of Education’s PSA administrator.
  • The principal must be familiar with the California child labor laws and initial that they are.
  • Once completed, the principal signs and titles the form.

• CDE Form B1-4:

  

  cde-form-b1-4

  • This is the actual Permit to Employ and Work, which your homeschool issues.
  • You’ll determine the expiration date (typically 5 days after the opening of the next school year) based on your homeschool calendar.
  • Include the minor’s and school’s information.
  • Based on the child labor laws and any medical or other restrictions, you’ll fill in the work hours permitted and any remarks on work limitations.
  • Remember, this permit is valid only for the specific employer listed.
  • The minor signs and dates the form.
  • Again, the issuing authority cannot be the child’s parent. Use your designated homeschool administrator.

Distributing the Paperwork

• The original Permit to Employ (CDE Form B1-4) goes to the employer.
• Make a copy for your records.
• You must send copies of all three forms (B1-1, B1-8, and B1-4) to your school district’s superintendent.

Sending Paperwork to the Superintendent

I recommend creating a cover letter to accompany the paperwork you send to the superintendent’s office. This helps ensure they understand what they’re receiving.

Here’s an example of what I included in my cover letter:

• My homeschool’s letterhead (if you have one).
• The superintendent’s or clerk’s name.
• A reference to California Education Code section 49110.
• A list of the enclosed records (B1-1, B1-8, and B1-4).
• A reference to our Private School Affidavit confirmation code.
• My signature.

In Conclusion

I hope this breakdown has helped clarify the process of obtaining work permits for your homeschooled teens in California. While it involves some paperwork, it’s a necessary step to ensure your child can legally gain valuable work experience.

Please like and share this post, and I’ll see you in the digital homeschool world!