What is required?
Immunizations
PA Code allows districts to ask for proof of/exemption of immunization. The state has given districts the responsibility to collect this info. For years many districts did not collect this info, but recently we have seen many districts start to ask for proof of immunizations or an exemption for homeschool students in their district. Some parents rely solely on a statement in the affidavit/unsworn declaration that the child has received the required immunizations or have an exemption on file. Some provide evidence of immunizations or provide an exemption. Should you rely solely on the statement on the affidavit/unsworn declaration and your district contacts you via certified mail you will need to respond and it is recommended that you contact HSLDA for guidance.
An Update for Pennsylvania Homeschool Families
HSLDA: PA School District Violates Homeschooler’s Privacy – CHAP
- Immunizations and school attendance – 22 Pa. Code § 11.20;
- PA Health Code regarding immunizations – 28 Pa. Code § Chapter 23, Subchapter C
- Specific immunization requirements – 28 Pa. Code § 23.83
- Medical or religious exemptions – 28 Pa. Code § 23.84
From the PA Homeschool Law:
…evidence that the child has been immunized in accordance with the provisions of section 1303(a) and has received the health and medical services required for students of the child’s age or grade level in Article XIV; and that the home education program shall comply with the provisions of this section and that the notarized affidavit shall be satisfactory evidence thereof.
See below for a video on immunizations.
Health and Dental Care
It should be noted that the law is not clear about what “evidence” the affidavit/unsworn declaration must “set forth” regarding the medical and dental exam requirements. Some parents rely solely on a statement in the affidavit/unsworn declaration that the child has received the required services.
When do Dental exams need to be done?
- Entry into school (when you first register as a homeschooler)
- Third grade
- Seventh grade
When do Medical exams need to be done?
- Entry into school (when you first register as a homeschooler)
- Sixth grade
- Eleventh grade
- Annual Vision and Height/Weight screenings
Mandated Health Services Chart By Grade
What services are the public schools required to provide?
The public school is required to provide the following services as listed in section 1402:
- Medical examinations.
- Dental examinations.
- Vision screening tests.
- Hearing screening tests.
- Threshold screening tests.
- Height and weight measurements.
- Maintenance of medical and dental records.
- Tuberculosis tests.
- Special examinations.
From the PA School Health Law:
School districts and joint school boards shall provide the following health services for children of school age who are attending or who should attend an elementary, grade or high school, either public or private, and children who are attending a kindergarten which is an integral part of a local school district:
(1) Medical examinations.
(2) Dental examinations.
(3) Vision screening tests.
(4) Hearing screening tests.
(5) Threshold screening tests.
(6) Height and weight measurements.
(7) Maintenance of medical and dental records.
(8) Tuberculosis tests.
(9) Special examinations.
Can I use the public school nurse?
Yes, often schools will send a letter letting you know when screenings are available. You can choose to utilize this or do them on your own.
From the PA School Health Law:
Every child of school age shall be provided with school nurse services: Provided, however, That the number of pupils under the care of each school nurse shall not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500).
Can I use my family doctor instead of the public school nurse?
Yes.
From the PA School Health Law:
In lieu of the medical or dental examinations prescribed by this article, any child of school age may furnish the local school officials with a medical or dental report of examination made at his own expense by his family physician or family dentist on a form approved by the Secretary of Health for this purpose. The in lieu examinations shall be made and the report shall be furnished prior to the date fixed for the regularly scheduled examination but no earlier than four months prior to the opening of the school term during which the regular examination is scheduled.
Medical and dental information:
Immunization information: