8451- PARASITIC INFESTATION (HEAD LICE, BED BUGS)

Infestations of parasitic insects are a universal problem, present in the community at all times, and is particularly prevalent among elementary school-age children. Parasitic infestation is a nuisance but does not spread disease. Control of infestation is best handled by adequate treatment of the infested person and their immediate household and other close personal contacts. Parasitic infestation is not an indicator of uncleanliness or socioeconomic status. Parasitic infestations are spread most commonly by direct contact. However, much less frequently they are spread by sharing clothing or belongings onto which parasitic insects have crawled or nits attached to shed hairs may have fallen.

Communication from the school to parents directly and through parent and classroom education to the students help increase the awareness for both parents and child. Parents need to check their child's head, body, and belongings on a regular basis for signs of parasitic infestation and treat any infestation adequately and appropriately as necessary. Control depends on promptly finding and effectively treating infestations.

The school nurse or their designee shall be the only ones authorized to conduct examinations of students for head lice.

If a student in the Corporation is found to have an infestation, the school nurse or designee shall notify the parent and ask the parent to pick the student up immediately. In the case of a pediculosis capitis (lice) infestation, the parent shall be advised to administer an FDA-approved lice treatment (e.g., pediculicide/ovicide) by a qualified healthcare provider or seek treatment at a clinic specializing in parasitic insect removal. The student shall remain in the classroom for the remainder of the school day. In the case of a bed bug infestation, the student's belongings shall be sealed and provided to the parent, and the parent shall be provided information on the treatment of bites, control of the infestation, and the need to use a professional exterminator service in the home.

After treatment and upon returning to school, the student will be examined by the school nurse or designee, who may include the principal. The Corporation practices a policy of "no live insects" as the criterion for the return to school.

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to provide for the implementation of this policy.

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