We understand that vaccines are a sensitive issue for some. However, we have an obligation to provide a safe learning environment for all students, educators, and families. Our Board of Directors approved an Immunization Policy as detailed below (effective September 2015).
Although we are not a school, we do work with public schools. We have opted to follow guidelines for CA schools, as recommended by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Ventura County Health Care Agency. See here for California Department of Public Health immunization requirements.
2023-2024 requirements:
- With registration: Families will be required to show proof of immunizations according to state guidelines with their Fall registration. State requirements are:
- Prior to kindergarten entry:
- Polio– 4 doses (3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday)
- Varicella (chickenpox)- 2 doses
- Hepatitis B– 3 doses (4-6 yrs, kindergarten and above)
- MMR: 2 doses (both given on or after 1st birthday)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or DTP): up to 5 doses (4 doses OK if one was given on or after the 4th birthday. Can be 3 doses if one was given on or after the 7th birthday)
- All students entering 7th grade:
- DTaP: For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday.
- COVID-19:
- The Ventura County Department of Public Health recommends that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Students who have received any or all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine(s) will submit this record with registration.
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- The COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for attendance at OSA, only recommended.
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- The Ventura County Department of Public Health recommends that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Students who have received any or all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine(s) will submit this record with registration.
- Prior to kindergarten entry:
- Exemptions: The recommended percentage for herd immunity is ~90% (either by vaccination or having had the disease). Due to the small size of our program, we allow up to 10% for medical exemptions, or those not fully vaccinated. This limited number* is determined by whether or not we have met our target of ~90% in each of the immunization categories.
- IMPORTANT: If your child cannot be fully or partially vaccinated, please provide this information when inquiring about registration so we know how many students are requesting exemptions. This information is kept confidential.
- Families who do not disclose this information until registration paperwork is sent may be denied participation should our non-immunization spots be filled.
- In the event of an outbreak, any student not immunized against the viral outbreak may be excluded from classes in accordance with recommendations by the Ventura County Health Care Agency. No refunds are provided for missed classes.
- IMPORTANT: If your child cannot be fully or partially vaccinated, please provide this information when inquiring about registration so we know how many students are requesting exemptions. This information is kept confidential.
*This limit is dependent on the total number of registered students, which may increase or decrease over the course of the year.