PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)

PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)

po8451Adopted August 20, 2018Revised May 18, 2026

8451 - PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)

Head lice are present in the community at all times and can be particularly prevalent among preschool and elementary school-age children. Lice are a nuisance but do not spread disease. Control of lice infestation is best handled by adequate treatment of the infested person and their immediate household and other close personal contacts. Contracting head lice is not an indicator of cleanliness or socioeconomic status.

Communication from the school to parents directly and through parent and classroom education to the students will help increase awareness for both parents and the child. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to check their child's head on a regular basis for signs of head lice and to treat adequately and appropriately as necessary. Control depends on prompt case finding and effective treatment.

  1. Students or staff suspected of having head lice may be sent to the health room to be checked by the school nurse or designee. (Suspicions of head lice would be incessant itching of the head or visualization of lice or nits.)
  2. The discovery of lice or their eggs on the hair may cause the child to be sent home or isolated. Children with an active infestation of head lice need to avoid direct head-to-head contact with other students. Principals, in cooperation with the school nurse, shall exclude students from school if they believe that the student cannot avoid head-to-head contact with other students.
  3. Upon return to school, the infested individual will be checked for the presence of live lice by the school nurse or designee.
  4. Truancy laws will apply to students who miss excessive amounts of school. The school nurse shall provide as much information as needed when cases are recurrent.
  5. Cases in which infestations are recurrent will be discussed with the Juneau County Department of Human Services - Child Protective Services.
  6. Parents/guardians should notify the school if they detect head lice on their children.

Revised 4/19/21
T.C. 7/29/22
T.C. 4/21/25
T.C. 5/18/26

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