Anyone with experience sending a non-vaccinated child to preschool in Chicago?

[pedscst]

I am applying to preschools for my 3 1/2 year old son who is not vaccinated.  Does anyone have any experience with any preschools (private--not CPS) that accept non-vaccinated children in Chicago?  How do you approach the subject with the school?  Preschool enrollment is very competitive here and I'm hesitant to bring up the topic and ask if they allow children without vaccinations (with an exemption)  before my son is has been accepted to the program for fear they will not accept my child based on not being vaccinated. Thank you so much.  Any advice is appreciated! 

[~Adorkable~]

i would suggest asking in the "Finding Your Tribe" for that region. here is hte link :http://www.mothering.com/community/f/86/missouri-illinois-iowa

and welcome to mothering.com!!!

[Marnica]

I do not live in Chicago BUT Illinois law is written very clearly. Licensed Preschools/daycares must accept a valid religious exemption. All preschools/daycares are private so this is neither here nor there.

My advice would be apply and don't mention anything and just submit the exemption with the enrollment paperwork. As long as you know your rights, you should be good to go. 

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077006950000100R.html

and

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077006950000300R.html

Quote:

All children entering school programs (includes nursery schools, pre-school programs, early childhood programs, Head Start, or other pre-kindergarten child care programs offered or operated by a school or school district) in Illinois for the first time shall present evidence of immunity against:

Quote:

The objection by the parent or guardian of a child entering school (including programs under the kindergarten level) sets forth the specific religious belief which conflicts with the immunization(s).  The religious objection may be personal and need not be directed by the tenets of an established religious organization.

Good luck!

[pedscst]

Thank you!  I've already had one preschool reject him because I brought it up first.  Said that they were too small to allow an unvaccinated child in--puts others at risk, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.  I was in shock.  I was told that private preschools did not have to accept exemptions--only those that were part of the public school system.

[FloridaBorn]

Well, you learned your lesson there; don't bring it up!!

Turn in your application paperwork with the vaccine exemption instead of the vaccinations received form. Turn in the "good to go" paperwork from your doctor.

If you prepay for six months they WON'T turn you away!

[pedscst]

Yes, I did!  Unfortunately, now I'm really worried about getting turned away from other schools.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by pedscst 

Thank you!  I've already had one preschool reject him because I brought it up first.  Said that they were too small to allow an unvaccinated child in--puts others at risk, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.  I was in shock.  I was told that private preschools did not have to accept exemptions--only those that were part of the public school system.

This is bullshit. Just read the law. If they are licensed by the state of IL which they obviously are because otherwise they wouldn't be operating, they have to accept them. You could make a stink, you could threaten a lawsuit, but then things just get ugly and who wants to start out a preschool experience like that? They may not even be aware they have no choice because they have never had anyone question what they tell people. 

[pedscst]

Thank you! i will try again!

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by pedscst 

Thank you! i will try again!

Don't mention it though. Once they have accepted your child, they have to accept an exemption.