8451 - PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)

Head lice are present in the community at all times and can be particularly prevalent among pre-school 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 treat adequately and appropriately as necessary. Control depends on prompt case finding and effective treatment.

If a child in the District is found to have head lice or untreated nits, school staff will notify the parent and ask the parent to pick the child up at the end of the school day and administer an FDA-approved lice treatment (e.g., pediculicide/ovicide), treatment by a qualified healthcare provider, or treatment at a clinic specializing in lice and nit removal but the child will remain in the classroom until the end of the day.

Students may return to the classroom after the appropriate use of an FDA-approved lice treatment (e.g., pediculicide/ovicide), or the Centers for Disease Control treatment options by a qualified healthcare provider, or treatment at a clinic specializing in lice and nit removal. After treatment and upon returning to school, the child will be examined by the school health staff, other designated staff members, or the principal. The District practices a policy of "no live lice" as a criterion for return to school.

Revised 9/10/24

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