School-Based Vocational Programs and Labor Laws

Abstract

Vocational programs have become an important part of the educational curriculum for students with moderate to severe handicapping conditions. Community-based instruction beginning at the elementary level and emphasis upon placement during the latter school years have created a need for school staff to better understand labor rules and regulations. This article reviews the rules and regulations of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act in relation to school-based vocational programs and emphasizes the payment of wages across different training and placement options.