High school students aged 16 to 18 are now eligible to work in child care centers under newly enacted legislation signed into law as Public Chapter Number 873.

The law permits older high school students to take on child care roles either outside of school hours or during school hours as part of an approved work-based learning program. To qualify, students must meet specific educational criteria, including the completion of at least two courses within an education and training career cluster program of study.

The final version of the legislation reflects key adjustments made via Senate Amendment #1, passed by the Senate on March 16, 2026. The amendment narrowed the eligible age bracket specifically to students 16 and older, while also removing an initial restriction that would have barred students from working in child care centers operated out of a primary caregiver’s residence.

To help roll out the program safely and effectively, the Department of Health has been authorized to promulgate the necessary administrative rules.