Today’s society contains a major populace of parents that have decided not to vaccinate their children. Many of these parents are too young to recall the debilitating and deadly diseases that are now vaccine preventable. While medical and scientific studies have shown quite frequently that vaccines are completely safe, there are still many unvaccinated children in need of child care. Where does that leave a child care program or center?
Can a center refuse enrollment to an unvaccinated child? Let’s consider the WACs for more information.
WAC 170-295-7020 states:
You may have a policy that states that you do not accept children who have been exempted from immunizations by their parent or guardian, unless that exemption is due to an illness protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You may accept a child whose immunizations are started but not up to date on a “conditional” basis if:
For children whose records are difficult to obtain (such as foster children), there is written proof that the case worker or health care provider is in the process of obtaining the child’s immunization status prior to the child starting child care, or
The required immunizations are started prior to children starting child care, and
The immunizations are completed as rapidly as medically possible. You must work with the parent, health care provider, or local health department to obtain an immunization plan.