Who Can Enroll a Child and Approve Medical Care

What this is

An overview of how school enrollment and medical consent generally work for a caregiver who is not the child's parent.

Why it matters

These two questions block everything else — school, sports, prescriptions — and the answer depends on your state and even your district.

What you should know

• Many districts accept a caregiver affidavit or similar form for enrollment; ask the district registrar directly what they accept.
• Medical providers may accept a signed authorization from the parent for routine care; emergency care rules differ.
• Get the district's answer in writing so the next staff member does not reverse it.
• Keep the child's immunization and health records in your one document folder.
• If enrollment is refused, ask for the refusal and the policy in writing, then contact legal aid.
• General information only — the rules that bind you are set by your state and district.