New kindergarten students must have four doses of the DTaP and polio vaccine with one dose on, or after, the fourth birthday. Students need two doses of the measles vaccine, one dose of the rubella vaccine and two doses of the mumps vaccine. Kindergartners need three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine with the last dose administered at six months of age. Children also need two doses of the varicella vaccine unless a physician certifies that the child had chickenpox. Parents must submit an affidavit stating that immunizations conflict with the child's religious beliefs to receive an exemption. A written statement from a physician stating the required vaccinations are hazardous to the child's health may also exempt the child.
Virginia law requires the kindergarten enrollee's Social Security number when registering. Parents have 90 days from the date of enrollment to provide a valid social security number. If a parent cannot or will not provide a social security number, the school will provide an alternate number, upon the request of the parent. Virginia public schools do not deny enrollment without a social security number.
All new kindergarten students must have a physical examination prior to admission. Parents must submit a copy of a school entrance examination certified by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. The exam must occur within 12 months prior to starting kindergarten. The physician or nurse practitioner must complete Virginia Form MCH-213G for new kindergarten enrollees. Parents may download the form from the Virginia Department of Education website or obtain a copy from the school office.
Virginia Commonwealth Schools require a certified birth certificate for any child applying for admittance for the first time. If the parent cannot provide a birth record, the parent must provide a sworn statement listing the child's age and the reason the birth certificate is not available. Parents can replace a lost or damaged birth certificate by submitting an "Application for a Vital Record" or a written letter to the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records in Richmond along with a fee. Parents may also visit the department of health in person or request a copy from VitalChek.
Parents must provide proof of residency in the form of a gas, electric, water bill or lease agreement showing a street address or route number. If the parents cannot provide a street address or route number, a post office box number suffices. The school district may accept another form of address for children who reside in the school district but live at a location not normally used as a residence, such as a shelter.