Kindergartners must get physicals before they can attend school, the Modesto City Schools Board of Education agreed unanimously Monday night.

The first to be affected by the new rule will be about 2,000 students who will start classes this summer and fall. They have 30 days to prove that they have recently seen a doctor or have an appointment on the books.

Families that cannot afford medical care can get free exams from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

Previously, kindergartners were required to have immunizations, but students did not need to have physical exams until first grade.

Shari Lowe, chairwoman of school nurses, said the district wants to make sure all children are healthy and ready to learn.

"We're seeing more children with diabetes, we are seeing more children with dental decay, we are seeing more children with anemia and children who are very obese and overweight," she said.

About 1,000 children who were previously enrolled in the district's Head Start or preschool programs -- which require physicals -- can wait until first grade to see a doctor, Lowe said. But all other kindergartners must have physicals this year, she said.

Parents who object for medical or religious reasons can opt out by signing waivers. But their children will not be able to come to school during outbreaks of contagious diseases, if the children do not have all of their required immunizations.

Year-round schools start class July 10 and Aug. 7. Traditional schools start Sept. 5.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.