Head Lice Policy

 The school health nurse (SHN) maintains confidentiality when screening students for possible lice infestation.  The following provides the SHN a systematic care plan for identified students:

1. Identify the student.
2. Notify parent(s)/guardians(s) of student the positive screening results (live lice and/or nits) and the student needs to be picked up from school.
3. Instruct parent(s)/guardian(s) on the need for treatment.
   • Reiterate to parent(s)/guardian(s) the CCPS policy.
   • When parent(s)/guardian(s) are not able to pick up student the SHN will contact administration to develop a plan.
4. Provide parent(s)/guardian(s) with appropriate information letters.
   • Initial finding letter.
     Initial Finding Letter
   • Head Lice Fact Sheet.
     Head Lice Fact Sheet
5. Screenings will be performed on symptomatic students only.
   Parents may request that siblings of the identified student be checked and notify the appropriate SHN when sibling(s) do not attend same school.
6. Infested student may only return to school upon completion of treatment and must be LIVE LOUSE FREE.
   • Re-screen student prior to admission to class.
   • Notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of positive findings of live lice.
7. Re-screen treated student ten days post treatment.
   • Notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of positive findings of live lice.

School Personnel Responsibilities

• Distribute head lice information to all families at the beginning of the school year.
• Notify the parents of any children identified with live lice during the school day and request student be retrieved until treatment has been initiated.
• Assist the SHN in locating a space for the student to rest until picked up after parental notification of a confirmed live lice case.
• Actively promote and teach preventative measures for the control of head lice in the classroom.
• Report suspected cases to the nurse for assessment.
• Assist in distribution of literature to families.

Parent Responsibilities

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infestation.
• Be familiar with the technique for examining hair for lice and nits.
• Examine their child's head weekly for signs of infestation, this may be required more frequently during an outbreak.
• Be aware of the importance of prompt and efficient treatment and environmental control measures in the home.
• Carry out treatment using pediculicide and provide proof of treatment to SHN.

To learn more, visit the Head Lice webpage at www.cdc.gov.