Can a preschool refuse to admit my son because he is unvaccinated?

[acupuncturemomma]

Just checked out a preschool for DS, and he is really excited to start. Just realized there is a request for immunization record in the school's paperwork!

DD went to a very informal preschool, which never requested immunization records. So I'm not sure how it works...For her Kindergarten enrollment in public school, we just filled out the waiver...

I have a feeling this preschool might turn him away.

[Marnica]

What state are you in?

[acupuncturemomma]

California :)

[Marnica]

You can submit an exemption. 

[acupuncturemomma]

Do they have to accept the exemption? Or is it possible they can refuse him?
 

[emmy526]

Originally Posted by acupuncturemomma 

Do they have to accept the exemption? Or is it possible they can refuse him?
 

if the preschool accepts state/fed funding, they also must accept the waiver

[acupuncturemomma]

I found this document, which makes it sound like all schools (regardless of funding?) have to accept an exemption. Would anyone be willing to read it and tell me what they think? Just want to be really clear on my rights in case it comes up with the preschool director...

[ma2two]

I have never heard of a preschool in California refusing a vaccine exemption. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, or couldn't happen. Is the preschool requiring the vaccine paperwork before it accepts your son? That would be unusual. Your best bet is to not say anything about vaccines or exemptions to them. Make sure he is officially accepted, preferably with some sort of deposit, and then give them the exemption along with all the other paperwork such as emergency forms.

Here's the form. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/forms/ctrldforms/pm286b.pdf The official form from the health department is printed double sided on light blue paper. It's actually light blue cardstock, but let's not get too picky. So if you want, you can go to a "FedEx Office" which I think sells single sheets of a similar color, if you want to make it seem more official. But I don't think it's necessary. The school actually should have their own "blue cards" if they give you a hard time about it being printed on white paper.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by acupuncturemomma 

I found this document, which makes it sound like all schools (regardless of funding?) have to accept an exemption. Would anyone be willing to read it and tell me what they think? Just want to be really clear on my rights in case it comes up with the preschool director...

They have to accept the exemption. The law is written to include all daycare and nursery school. They may not know they have to accept it, but if anyone tells you otherwise they are either uninformed or lying to you. My advice do not tell them ahead of time. Just file the exemption with the other paperwork when you register your child and if they question you, make it clear you know you are operating within the law. My guess is you won't have any problems

[acupuncturemomma]

Originally Posted by Marnica 

They have to accept the exemption. The law is written to include all daycare and nursery school. They may not know they have to accept it, but if anyone tells you otherwise they are either uninformed or lying to you. My advice do not tell them ahead of time. Just file the exemption with the other paperwork when you register your child and if they question you, make it clear you know you are operating within the law. My guess is you won't have any problems

Perfect, thanks. This is what I plan to do, and wanted to be solid in my understanding of my rights/the law.

[acupuncturemomma]

Thanks for the form, ma2two. Funny thing is, they supplied the first page of the form, but not the second (back) where the exemption section is!

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by acupuncturemomma 

Thanks for the form, ma2two. Funny thing is, they supplied the first page of the form, but not the second (back) where the exemption section is!

Way to let people know about their rights 

[ma2two]

Originally Posted by acupuncturemomma 

Thanks for the form, ma2two. Funny thing is, they supplied the first page of the form, but not the second (back) where the exemption section is!

At least the front page of the California school vaccine record has a box to check off for personal belief exemption, so a parent looking carefully at the form would see that an exemption existed, even if they couldn't figure out from the front page how to get it.