My Child Is Not Vaccinated, but I Want to Put Him in Daycare PT - FLORIDA

Hi K.,

From what I understand, it's the same with day cares. I've known 1 or 2 people who've chosen not to vaccinate their children, and the day care has accepted them with a waiver. But, of course, should there be some kind of outbreak of any of the vaccine-related diseases, they'll send your child home. Once you decide where to send your child, make sure you find out what their policy is in advance. I know someone in Sarasota who was strapped because she showed up on day 1 without immunization paperwork, without giving advance notice, and they wouldn't take her daughter.
Good luck!

Most day care centers are privately owned and may have their own rules and procedures, so your first step is to call a few in your area and see what they say. I would imagine that even though they are privately owned, they have to follow certain DCF requirements so they may have to work within those.

Hello, I am a mom of 4 here in Orlando and none of my children have received vaccines. My oldest is now 10 and has gone through daycare and school without a problem. I usually use a letter stating the Florida Statute 1003.22. I can send you a copy if you want to send me your e-mail offline. I have never had a problem with any daycare, home-based or a center.

There is also a form- a blue form similar to the shot form required of vaccinated children. It states the same statute and that you are claiming religious exemption (your personal beliefs) to not vaccinate your children, just official from the State. I was able to get that from the Department of Health. They also add your childs name on a list in case a disease your child is not vaccinated for breaks out. The lady told me that my children would be the first to be pulled out of school if an outbreak occured. I told her that's great I would not want them to be at school if there was an outbreak! I don't think that was the reaction she was going for :> Honestly, the only problem I have had is finding a decent doctor who is accepting of my decision.

You should not have any problems with daycare, so not to worry!

A.

You aren't likely to find a regular daycare that allows a non-vaccinated child to attend. You may, however, find someone who runs a small in home day care that will allow it. Most bigger daycares are simply too fearful of liability problems to deal with non vaccinated children. (Funny since the other vaccinated children shouldn't be at anymore risk *IF* vaccines worked as advertised.)

Personally, since you've done such a great job keeping your child out of daycare thus far, I wouldn't use it just for socialization. How about, instead, finding a local playgroup or routinely going to a local park so you get to know the 'regulars'? I know meetup . com has all sorts of playgroups you can join. Perhaps your church does a mom's morning out you could participate in? Or you could form a co-op with a few friends where each of you watches the group of children one morning per week so the other moms have some time to run errands and the kids get to play together.

If the goal is just socialization, there are many options other than daycare. My 22 month old son has never been to daycare and won't be going to such a place fortunately. He does however get out and play with other kids about 3 times per week through various playdates with friends or going to local parks and splash pads. His social skills are great and he has lots of confidence when dealing with new kids. :)