No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Colorado under state and federal law, with limited exceptions for agricultural work or parental business operations. Violations risk penalties from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter enforcement of youth employment laws.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Colorado
- Minimum Age Requirement: Colorado aligns with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), prohibiting employment for children under 14 except in non-hazardous agricultural work or family-owned enterprises where parents or guardians supervise.
- Work Permit Mandates: Employers must obtain a Colorado Youth Employment Certificate (YEC) for minors aged 14–17, while those under 14 require special dispensation from the CDLE’s Division of Labor Standards and Statistics.
- Hour Restrictions: Even when permitted, work hours for minors under 14 are capped (e.g., 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days) and restricted to non-school hours, per CDLE’s 2025–2026 regulatory updates.