School & Education

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Part of the equal education library, sponsored by Greenberg Traurig.

The Big Picture

A public school must enroll any school-aged child who lives in that school district, including homeless students and…

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School districts must ask for a certified copy of a birth certificate within 30 days of enrolling your child. If a birth certificate is unavailable, then other proof of the child's identity and age is required. If you cannot provide a birth certificate, you will have to make a sworn statement explaining why the birth certificate can’t be produced.

Schools can require proof of immunizations prior to enrollment. A list of the required immunizations can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

Schools will also ask you to show documents with both your name and your address to prove residency. Schools can’t require any one specific document. Anything that shows that you live in the district can be used. Here are some examples of documents the school will accept as proof of residency:

• A utility bill
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Voter registration card
• Lease or mortgage
• Library card
• Employee ID
• A notarized affidavit from the parent or adult who lives with the child stating that the child eats and sleeps at the residence.

An Illinois State Board of Education affidavit can also be used as proof of residency.

The following are some tips that will make it easier for you to prove residency:

• Make sure your records are current and are registered only at the place you actually live. Schools hire investigators who will find any documents that give a different address (like a car registration).
• When you move, change your driver’s license, state ID, bank account and other forms of ID to the new address right away.
• Change your mailing address and voter’s registration to your current address as soon as possible.
• Keep records to show when you moved in and when you moved out.
• Keep copies of records from your old address to show the time period you lived there. For example, utility bills, rent checks, personal mail, etc.
• Let people know you are living there. For example, meet and talk to neighbors. School investigators may check with these people.
• Keep the school updated when you move.

You do not have to pay a fee to get a copy of your child's birth certificate if you can show that you are experiencing homelessness. Learn more about getting your birth certificate.