Except as provided in this subchapter, a child under 16 years of age shall not be employed in any gainful occupation unless the child deposits with the employer a certificate from the Commissioner that states that the child is eligible for employment in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. However, this requirement shall not apply to any child employed during vacations or before or after sessions of school when the employment is not otherwise prohibited by this subchapter. (Amended 1999, No. 69 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2001, No. 68, § 2.)