Virginia Law

A. Each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician:

1. Before the child's attendance; or

2. Within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

If a child is homeless and does not have documentation of a physical examination, the center may allow the child to attend during a grace period of no more than 90 days to allow the parent or guardian time to obtain documentation of the required physical examination.

B. If the child has had a physical examination prior to attendance, it shall be within the time period prescribed in this subsection:

1. Within two months prior to attendance for children six months of age and younger;

2. Within three months prior to attendance for children aged seven months through 18 months;

3. Within six months prior to attendance for children aged 19 months through 24 months; and

4. Within 12 months prior to attendance for children two years of age through five years of age.

C. When a child transfers from a facility licensed by the Virginia Department of Education, approved by a licensed family day system, or voluntarily registered by the Virginia Department of Education, a new physical examination is not required if a copy of the physical examination from the originating program is maintained in the child's record.

D. Pursuant to subsection D of § 22.1-270 of the Code of Virginia, physical examinations are not required for any child whose parent objects on religious grounds. The parent must submit a signed statement noting that the parent objects on religious grounds and certifying that to the best of the parent's knowledge the child is in good health and free from communicable or contagious disease.

E. A new physical examination is not required for a school age child if a copy of the physical examination required for his entry into a Virginia public kindergarten or elementary school is kept in the child's record.