Academics · Subject Resources

Registered, with every
paper in the folder.

Registration stalls on one missing paper: the second proof of address, the immunization record still at the doctor, the transcript from the old school. Add each child with the school’s deadline and mark each document. The checklist counts what is ready, flags deadlines close with papers missing and explains the rights that let some children enroll before the papers arrive.

Add a childWhat you get

Children

The worked example is made up: a kindergartner missing proof of address and immunizations nine days before the deadline, a seventh grader moving mid-year and a ninth grader in a family staying with relatives. Saved on this device only.

Loading the child form. If nothing appears, turn on JavaScript.

What you get

Academics · Subject ResourcesFree

What you finish with
A record per child: initials, grade, school, registration deadline, first day, housing and ten documents marked ready, missing or not needed, with notes. Works out documents ready and days to the deadline and first day; lists each child and the next deadline; flags close deadlines with papers missing, a first day coming with papers missing, and the right of children in temporary housing to enroll at once.
Who it is for
Parents and caregivers registering a child for public, charter or private school.
Format
Browser checklist with a saved record per child. Prints one child’s list to take to the office, every child in a table or a blank checklist; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Subject Resources space in Caveat Academics.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Look up the school’s own document list.
  2. Add each child with the deadline.
  3. Mark what you have and what you need.
  4. Gather the missing papers first.
  5. Print the list and bring it with the folder.

Add a child

Know your rights

Your rights when registeringEvery childPublic schools may notrefuse a child because ofimmigration status.You may not be required togive a Social Securitynumber.Temporary housingEnroll right away, evenwith no records.The school gets therecords.Ask for the homelessliaison.RecordsA new school requestsrecords from the old one.Bring copies anyway tospeed it up.Your rights when registeringEvery childPublic schools may not refuse a childbecause of immigration status.You may not be required to give a SocialSecurity number.Temporary housingEnroll right away, even with no records.The school gets the records.Ask for the homeless liaison.RecordsA new school requests records from the oldone.Bring copies anyway to speed it up.
Federal protections from Plyler v. Doe (1982), the McKinney-Vento Act and Department of Education and Justice guidance. Document lists are local.

No papers yet

If your family is living with others because of a loss of housing, in a shelter, a motel or another temporary place, the McKinney-Vento Act lets your child enroll and attend school right away while the school gathers records. Every district has a homeless liaison to help.

What schools may not ask

Public schools may ask for proof of age and address but may not deny enrollment because of a child’s or parent’s immigration status, and may not require a Social Security number. If a form asks for one, you may leave it blank.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice (2014). Fact sheet: information on the rights of all children to enroll in school (ed.gov).
  2. Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982).
  3. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Education for Homeless Children and Youths program (42 U.S.C. 11431 and following); National Center for Homeless Education (nche.ed.gov).
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State school immunization requirements and exemptions (cdc.gov).

The worked example is made up. Document lists, deadlines and immunization rules are set by your state, district and school. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.