unvaccinated and applying for daycare

[KLM99]

Our toddler is unvaccinated and we don't plan to give her any vaccines. We are looking into having her in daycare a few days a week. I am going to look at the center tomorrow and the director mentioned that we will have to have a form filled out with a physical signed by a doctor with record of the immunizations. I know I can claim an exemption of course, but I'm just nervous about it - afraid I'm going to get yelled at or something I guess Or that my child will never be allowed in daycare and we'll have to figure out alternate childcare arrangements. How have people's daycare experiences been? Am I being silly? Thanks!

[Crazybean]

You will be fine- it is your right and I bet you aren't the first to do this. I know a lot of parents delay vaccines so that means their kids aren't up to date with what the center requires anyway so you should blend in :-) I however, am avoiding daycare just because I don't want to go to the county for an exemption until I need to..

[tanyalynn]

For us, the daycare just cared about being in compliance with the law. They want to fill all their spaces, eh? It'll likely be just fine. Good luck!

[lillacoix]

I wouldn't worry about it. My daughters have never been vaccinated and my older daughter started daycare a few years ago. Before they could even ask me, I told them I would be getting the vaccine exemption approval (approved by my state's dept of health) paperwork turned in a.s.a.p., and I had it to turn in with other regular paperwork before my daughter's first day of care at the daycare. I find that if you just turn in the paperwork without before they even ask about it, then they never question it. And if they happen to ask you before you turn in the exemption, then tell them you will be turning it in very shortly, before school starts, and it will not be a problem. I act like it's not a big deal, and they treat me accordingly. So far, I have never had any school official bug me about it, because I am always on the ball with the paperwork. It is your legal right as a parent, so you are practicing your legal rights. After you do it the first time, it gets a lot easier... and I think most school officials keep their opinions to themselves as long as the parents are on the ball with all the required paperwork for daycare and school. It will be fine. And remember, there are at least a few other parents in that school (if not more than a few) that also have exemptions for their children.