Many people fail to realize the extensiveness and comprehensiveness of federal and state child labor laws. Although the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act did not detail the legal compliance needed by its state-funded agencies, it clearly indicates that federal and state child labor laws will apply to its employment and employment-related programs and that compliance with their restrictions is mandatory. References to some single body of regulation as "child labor law" are inaccurate. In reality, the United States has 51 sets of child labor laws plus the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). Some states adhere closely to the federal law; however, other states' rules are notably stricter than the federal provisions. Except where there are specific exemptions, employment of workers under age 18 is regulated by the FLSA; however, school activities meeting technical criteria constituting bona fide educational training experiences are exempt from the FLSA. Training program administrators should check their states' child labor laws by calling the nearest State Labor Department office. (This article lists names/addresses of individuals to contact regarding state and District of Columbia child labor laws.) (MN)