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Head Lice (Pediculosis) and Nit Protocol

It is the position of Union Academy that management of head lice in the school setting should not disrupt the educational process. The Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses strongly discourage screening for head lice and “no-nit” policies- both of which have been proven to be ineffective in controlling the spread of lice. “No-nit” policies that require a child to be free of nits before returning to school lack evidence of being effective and result in unnecessary absenteeism. Unnecessary absenteeism leads to the loss of learning opportunities for the student and potentially family wages due to missed days of work. It is important to know that head lice are not related to a lack of personal hygiene or cleanliness, and although a nuisance, have not been shown to spread disease. Misconceptions and prejudices about head lice continue to exist, placing unwarranted stress and pressure on schools and staff. This guidance was developed using the most current and professional evidence-based factual information available.

Goals of Controlling Head Lice:

  1. Decrease school absenteeism.
  2. Educate and support families in their efforts to control and eliminate head lice.
  3. Educate and support school staff on Head Lice Guidelines, Protocols, and   Procedures.
  4. Maintain student confidentiality, privacy, and emotional wellbeing.

 

When a student is confirmed to have live lice by the school nurse:

  1. The parent/guardian will be notified and information on head lice will be provided in written form.
  2. Notification will include information explaining that the student may return to school when they have obtained appropriate lice removing treatment. Head Lice Info Sheet
  3. An information letter will be distributed by the teacher notifying parents of the potential exposure and steps to take.
  4. The student may stay until the end of the school day, however it is acceptable if the parent wishes to pick their child up after being notified.
  5. The parent is instructed that the student must be treated and re-examined by the school nurse before returning to the classroom.
  6. Upon re-examination, if live lice are found, the parent is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.

When to check beyond the identified student with live lice or nits:

  1. Determine if the student has siblings. If yes, then check the siblings.
  2. If the student has other siblings (not in the immediate school building), the parent/guardian will be made aware of the benefit of checking family members and taking precautionary measures to avoid family infestation.
  3. In some cases, the school nurse may use her professional judgment on an individual basis regarding further screenings.

“Studies have shown that control measures such as, mass screenings for nits, have not been shown to have a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in a school community, nor have they shown to be cost-effective” (Devore et al. 2015; Meinking & Taplin, 2011 CDC 2013a)