"Letter of clearance" from doctor before registering ds in daycare?

[Al Dente]

Hi,

I just moved to VA and although I'm not familiar with the vax laws, I think there is both a religious and medical exemption here. The daycare I want to enroll ds (unvax'd) in stated that I would need to get a letter of clearance from my doctor in order to start him in daycare.

I'm thinking they mean that the doc must sign a medical exemption, which I have no reason to ask for. Is there anything I can do? I haven't ever even gone to this dr. (Dr. Tipton) but he was recommended on the FYT threads as non-vax friendly, although not non-vax himself.

Obviously the daycare won't accept a religious exemption-or do they have to by law? And, if they have to take the religious exemption, what do I need to do to get one?


TIA!

[alegna]

Originally Posted by RacheePoo

Obviously the daycare won't accept a religious exemption-or do they have to by law? And, if they have to take the religious exemption, what do I need to do to get one?


TIA!

My guess is they DO have to accept a religious exemption. If the daycare isn't allowed to turn people away of a given religion then they would have to accept it. Some states even have stronger laws.

I'm sure that LI will be in with the exact laws for this case.

-Angela

[CallMeMommy]

I think if they receive any federal or state funding they have to accept a religious exemption.

[kellers1384]

were they specifically talking about the vaxes? i have worked in childcare, and we requested a letter/signed form from all of the children's doctors, or a parents signature stating the child has had a recent doctor's appointment and they will get the letter in a specified amount of time, just in order to verify that the child is in good health and can attend the school without any problems. could it be they were refering to this? or was it specifically because of a vaccination issue? if so, i would think they just have to have an exemption on file if they are accepting state funding. atleast, that's how it is in texas. i'm unsure of other state's laws, but i thought most were similar on the issue.

[Al Dente]

They did request a letter stating that he was in overall good health (does that means they can turns kids away who aren't? Scary thought) but she said that after I specifically stated that we did not vaccinate. She didn't mention the religious exemption, but after reading about VA law on the 50 states vax requirement site, all I have to do is fill out a short form-whose link was suspiciously broken but I found anyway-and turn it in.

I guess I should still get a well child check though. Bother.

[bobandjess99]

Here, a well-child check is required, even if you vax, don't vax, whatever.
Honestly, although they say it is to help make sure no contagious child gets into the daycare and puts opthers at risk, etc....the real purpose is....to get these kids into a doctor (and yes, get them vaxxed if any have been missed). The fact is, after that first year or so of intensive every couple month visits....LOTS of parents simply don't take their kids to the doctor for anything.....and this is a way of ensuring these kids are at least getting a checkup.....you'd be surprised how many kids otherwise leave after their 18 month visit to never return to the doc until kindy entry.....( not, for the record, that is necesarily a bad thing, LOL!)

I'm just thinking ahead......dd's well child check sheet will be amusing, if we do decide to put her into any type of preschool......blank, blank, blank, asthma...blank...
LOL!