The answer is simple. It's the law. We are required by the Florida Department of Education and Florida Statutes to have on record a copy of your child's birth certificate, up-to-date immunization records, and school entry physical (if this is your child's first time entering any public or private school be it kindergarten or twelfth grade).

Florida Statute 232.032 states that we must have up-to-date immunization records on all our students from grades K-12. You can be exempt from this requirement if:

• The parent or guardian of the child objects in writing that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices or beliefs.
• A physician certifies in writing that the child should be permanently exempt from the required immunization for medical reasons stated in writing, based upon valid clinical reasoning or evidence, demonstrating the need for the permanent exemption.
• A physician certifies in writing that the child has received as many immunizations as are medically indicated at the time and is in the process of completing necessary immunizations.
• The Department of Health determines that, according to recognized standards of medical practice, any required immunization is unnecessary or hazardous.

Florida Statute 232.03 states that evidence of date of birth is required.

This evidence may be in the form of the following:

• A copy of the child's birth certificate.
• A duly attested transcript of a certificate of baptism showing the date of birth and place of baptism of the child, accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the parent.
• An insurance policy on the child's life which has been in force for at least 2 years.
• A bona fide contemporary Bible record of the child's birth accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the parent.
• A passport or certificate of arrival in the United States showing the age of the child.
• A transcript of record of age shown in the child's school record of at least 4 years prior to application, stating date of birth.
• If none of these evidences can be produced, an affidavit of age sworn to by the parent, accompanied by a certificate of age signed by a public health officer.

Florida Statute 232.0315 states that the governing authority of each nonpublic school shall require that each child who is entitled to admittance to prekindergarten or kindergarten, or is entitled to any other initial entrance into a public or nonpublic school in this state, present a certification of a school-entry health examination performed within 1 year prior to enrollment in school.

The alternative to this requirement is:

• Any child shall be exempt from the requirement of a health examination upon written request of the parent or guardian of such child stating objections to such examination on religious grounds.

We hope this will clarify why we need these items. If your child is transferring from another school or has school records that may be requested, the information needed above is often already in the folder. Once CCS receives the folder we will notify the parents if the information is not included. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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