Illinois requires a health examination, proof of immunization, a dental exam, and a vision exam at specific grade checkpoints. Here's every form, who fills it out, and when it's due — all cited to official Illinois sources.
Last verified: October 2, 2026
Illinois law (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1) requires a health examination by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant at specific school entry points: kindergarten or first grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade. The exam must be completed no earlier than one year before the school entrance date.
The provider completes the Certificate of Child Health Examination form, which also includes the immunization record section. Illinois combines the physical exam and immunization documentation on a single form — ask your provider for it or download it from IDPH.
Illinois requires proof of the following immunizations for school entry under the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1) and the Child Health Examination Code (77 Ill. Admin. Code 665):
I-CARE (Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange) tracks your child's immunization history. If you've lost your records, contact your local health department to request a printout from I-CARE.
(Source: IDPH Immunization Section; Illinois Administrative Code 77 Ill. Admin. Code 665, accessed Aug 26, 2026)
Under 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1, Illinois requires a dental examination by a licensed dentist for students entering kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade, and 9th grade. The exam must be completed within 18 months prior to the school entry date.
If a dental exam creates an undue burden, parents may complete a waiver form. But the state tracks compliance rates, and schools follow up with families who haven't submitted the form.
(Source: Illinois State Board of Education — School Health Issues, accessed Aug 26, 2026)
Illinois requires a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for all students entering kindergarten or first grade for the first time (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1). This is a full eye exam — not just the vision screening the school provides.
The exam must be completed within one year prior to school entry. A waiver is available for undue burden.
(Source: Illinois State Board of Education — School Health Issues, accessed Aug 26, 2026)
Contact your local health department or pediatrician to request your child's record from I-CARE (Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange). This shows you exactly what vaccines are documented — and what's missing.
Download it from IDPH or ask your school. This single form covers the physical exam and immunization record — your provider fills out both at the same appointment.
The provider will complete the physical exam, review immunizations, administer any missing vaccines, and fill out the certificate. Do this in July or early August — pediatric offices fill up fast before school starts.
Dental exams are due at K, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grade. Eye exams are due at K or 1st grade entry. Book early — specialists book up over summer.
Turn in all completed forms to the school office before October 15. Keep a copy of everything — you'll need these records for future school transitions, sports, and camps.
Every person in your family gets a private @families.familystork.com email address. Give it to your pediatrician, dentist, or school nurse — they send records to it, and the health story builds itself. Immunization dates, physical exam results, dental assessments — all filed automatically into one timeline.
Next October, when the school asks for updated health forms? The records are already in one place. No scrambling through portals, no calling old providers, no searching for that paper certificate.
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Illinois recognizes medical exemptions and religious exemptions to school immunization requirements. There is no philosophical exemption.
Governing statute: 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1; 77 Ill. Admin. Code 665.510.
Illinois Department of Public Health — Immunization Program →
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Illinois has the most specific deadlines of any state. The Certificate of Child Health Examination (which includes immunization records) is due by October 15 of the school year for grades K (or 1st-grade entry), 6, and 9. The dental exam is due by May 15 for grades K, 2, 6, and 9th-grade entry. Students without a health exam by October 15 may be excluded from school (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1).
Illinois combines the physical exam and immunization documentation on a single state form — the Certificate of Child Health Examination. Your provider fills it out during the well-child visit. It covers the physical exam findings, all required immunization dates, and any medical conditions. Download the form from IDPH or ask your pediatrician's office for a copy.
Yes. Illinois requires a dental exam at grades K, 2, 6, and upon entering 9th grade. The exam must be performed by a licensed dentist, and the proof-of-exam form is due by May 15 of the school year. If your family cannot access a dentist, you can request a waiver from the school.
Yes. Illinois requires an eye exam by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist upon first enrollment in an Illinois school (typically kindergarten). The exam must be completed before October 15 of the school year. School-provided vision screenings do not satisfy this requirement — it must be a comprehensive exam. See 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1.
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