Vax exemption for preschool

[First Time Mama]

My son is unvaccinated and I am interested in enrolling him in two half days a week at preschool. So I went and checked out one of the local preschools and liked it and my son loved it. On the registration form they gave me it states that an entrance requirement is to be up to date on all immunizations and have proof of records as well as a physican's clearance and TB test before a child can be admitted. Now, I am thinking there is probably a waiver or exemption form, but how do I go about asking for it? It makes no mention of it on the paperwork I received. I should probably just call the school and ask, but I am having a lot of anxiety when trying to do this. I have avoided it all week. They only have one spot open, so I need to act on it if I want to do it now. I think that this area probably does not deal with this very often. I should still be able to enroll my son right? Or can they deny him based on vax status? I think maybe I am nervous about feeling judged for not vaxing. I don't every time I try to call, I get so anxious that I can't make the call.

[Peony]

I'd research your state's exemption laws, what you need to do exactly. You should be able to find directions and a form.

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Edcuate yourself, mama. What are the laws in your state, how do they apply to different types of daycares/preschools/public schools or private schools. Is your preschool privately owned, government funded? Make sure you arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Its your best bet to success. And GOOD LUCK!

[First Time Mama]

The preschool is part of a church, and is not publicly funded, we would be paying ourselves. I know in my state philosophical exemptions are available, and have heard they are pretty easy to get. I think it is just on the backside of the immunization records form. I don't know if I should ask the school or if they are very knowledgable about this or what. When my sister enrolled her son in preschool she just signed a waiver that the school provided her with, and it was no big deal.

[nycmom18]

maybe you should post this in im not vaccinating. i know people have posted info on where to get exemptions, but i believe you find it yourself. i would almost bet that the school would not provide that for you. i think if you search vaccine exemption for your state on google you might find it.

[firewoman]

In my state (CA), the exemption form is the same as the form you fill out with all the vaccines and dates given. It is a signature on the back of the form. My son went to a church preschool and they didn't use the state form. I just told them I didn't immunize and that was it. I don't remember there being an exemption form for that preschool. Read up on the laws in your state and go from there. If you live in California, there should not be an issue.

[First Time Mama]

I do live in Ca, and yeah the signature on the back of the immunization record form is what I have heard is all that you need to sign. It's just that the initial registration form has a spot to sign and date that you understand/agree to the requirement of providing proof of immunization. I don't want to sign that since he is not vaccinated, but don't know if I just shouldn't sign that part or ask for the rest of the paperwork, or write in that I will be signing the exemption?

[firewoman]

I would just call and explain you don't immunize and ask what you should do with the form. It has never been a big deal for us.