When I click on any of the links at abqhomeschool.com i get taken to this page, http://www.nmhomeschools.org/application.html, but I am not seeing a link to the form I need to fill out and submit to register with the state that my child is being homeschooled.  Any idea what's going on with that link or where I can get a copy of that form?

Also a question about the immunization exemption, do I have to complete the form for each school year or just one time for the duration of our homeschooling years?  I understand that this form is for my records only and does not need to be submitted.

TIA.
Emily

It looks like that link is broken.  This one should work for you:  http://www.ped.state.nm.us/homeSchools/index.html

I can't help you about the immunization form, though.  Sorry!

Hi Emily,
This may or may not answer your question, but here's what I know about the immunization exemption- while you can print out the form at http://www.immunizenm.org/documents/Exemption_new.pdf and just keep that in your records, it's not really "official" until you have that form notarized, send it in to the state, and they approve it.  Once the dept. of health approves your form, they send you back a copy that is marked and signed as approved.  Then you can copy that page and file it with whatever school or program you are involved in that needs it.  You have to do one for each child separately.  There is no expiration date on the form they send back to you, so I was under the impression that it is good for the duration of a child's school years.  I hope that helps!

Hi Alexis-

Thanks for the clarification on the proper way to file the immunization exemption form.  Have you done the exemption already?  Do you know what goes into the approval process?  I ask because on the form itself it states:


In accordance with 7.5.3.8B NMAC,  I hereby certify that my religious beliefs, held either individually or jointly by others, do not permit the
administration of vaccine or other immunizing agents and I therefore request that my child as named above be exempted from the school
immunization requirements of NMSA 1978 Section 24-5-2.


Is the only way to be exempt from immunizations through "religious beliefs"?  How do they confirm this, your "religious beliefs"?

Hello Emily,
I have been submitting this form yearly since 2003, first for private school and the past two years for homeschooling. I recently used it for my son to attend camp. Those are the only times I have needed it. I have always marked that it is due to our "religious beliefs" and no one has ever questioned it. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
Good luck!
Angela