Child Labor Laws &
On-Set Resources

Performers under 16 years old working under a SAG-AFTRA contract or SAG-AFTRA waiver, including babies and background actors, need a designated, appropriately qualified person trained in the applicable child labor laws to oversee their welfare—even when schooling is not required. This role may be filled by a set teacher, child welfare advocate/chaperone, or child labor coordinator.

A set teacher is required from the first day when a school-age minor is guaranteed or scheduled for three or more consecutive days of employment and their regular school is in session.

Some states require a set teacher even when the minor works fewer than three days. A minor working fewer than three days must also receive instruction if their school is in session and production already employs a teacher to instruct another performer.

A Child Welfare Advocate/Chaperone trained in applicable child labor laws is required starting on day one for covered performers under 16. A qualified set teacher may also fill this role. For bookings less than 3 days, schooling is generally not required unless state law or another applicable contract provision requires it.

Work-hour limits depend on the minor’s age and applicable state laws. On SAG-AFTRA productions, follow whichever requirements are stricter: state law or the applicable SAG-AFTRA contract. If the state has no specific limits, follow SAG-AFTRA’s rules.

See the SAG-AFTRA Young Performers Handbook for guidance.

When schooling is required, SAG-AFTRA’s TV/theatrical provisions require an average of at least three hours of instruction per school day, provided by a properly credentialed teacher. Each instructional session must last at least 20 minutes to count toward school time.

Schooling follows the minor’s regular school calendar. Banking school hours may be permitted, subject to the applicable contract, state law, and the teacher’s oversight. Stricter state education requirements must always be followed.

The 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement, effective July 1, 2026:

• Covered minors under 16 must have a qualified chaperone/welfare advocate overseeing their welfare at all times throughout the workday, starting on day one.
• Any education time the production requires, including banked school hours, is paid work time. It does not start consecutive employment.
• Only the teacher and the minors being taught are allowed in the school room. When a parent asks, the producer makes best efforts to give them a view in, such as a glass door, window, or monitor.

Yes. Infants and young children have shorter work hours and specific rest and supervision requirements. They need a designated chaperone/welfare advocate, even when schooling is not required. Depending on the child’s age and applicable state law, a qualified nurse may also be required. When both roles are required, production should arrange separate people to provide nursing care and welfare supervision. A parent or guardian must also be present.

The SAG-AFTRA TV/theatrical teaching ratio is generally one teacher per 10 minors, with an exception allowing up to 20 minors in no more than two grade levels, unless state law is stricter. The 2026 chaperone provision does not specify a numerical supervision ratio.

No minor requiring a chaperone should be without coverage at any point during the workday. If minors are in different locations and one person cannot supervise them all, multiple chaperones are needed—including when a set teacher is teaching some minors while others are on set.

No. A parent or guardian’s presence does not replace production’s obligation to designate an appropriately qualified person to oversee the minor’s welfare.

Yes. The TV/theatrical chaperone requirement for covered minors under 16 applies even when school is not in session.

For TV/theatrical work, the general limits are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. before a school day, or until 12:30 a.m. before a non-school day. The final workday must end at least 12 hours before the next regular school day. Check the agreement and state law for daily turnaround requirements.

• SAG-AFTRA Young Performers
• 2026 TV/Theatrical young performer gains
• 2025 Commercials Contracts
• sagaftra.org (full contracts and digests)