Head lice is a common problem for school age children across the United States. They are a nuisance that do not spread disease. Studies have shown that by the time head lice symptoms develop, a child has already had head lice for some time. Head lice do not fly or jump, they crawl. Without a human host they can only live for about one or two days.
Communication from the school to parents directly and through parent and classroom education to the students will help increase the awareness for both parents and child. Parents need to continually observe their child for this potential problem and treat adequately and appropriately as necessary.
Head Lice Guidelines
Staff and/or parent may request a student be checked for head lice due to the presence of excessive head itching, reports of a “crawling” feeling, or observation of suspected lice and/or eggs.
The student will be screened in a private location by the school nurse. Siblings will also be screened using confidentiality and discretion.
If the student is found to have live head lice, the student will be sent home.
Students with nits/eggs will be allowed to remain in the classroom at the discretion of the school nurse. Students with heavy infestation will be sent home.
Parents will be notified by phone. Information regarding head lice and treatment will be provided to the parent/guardian.
The student may return to school the next day following treatment. Upon arrival to school, the student should be sent to the nurse office for a head check.
Once determined that live head lice and viable nits/eggs are not present, student will be screened again at days 7 and 14 by school nurse.
The school nurse, principal, and other appropriate agencies will establish a plan if the above steps are not effective.
Students are strongly encouraged to not share hats, combs, brushes, or hair accessories with other students.
Classroom notification letters will be sent out if two or more cases of head lice occur in a room within reasonable timeline per the nurse discretion.
Classroom head checks will be done if two or more repeated cases occur in a related timeframe per the school nurse discretion.
Periodic letters will be sent home to parents/guardians to increase awareness. Letters will be sent in monthly newsletters and Friday folders.
