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Head Lice / No Nit

 

Policy:  "The psychological, social, and economic impact of head Lice infestations can create a problem in the community.  Recognizing that a sizeable number of cases exist from time to time, the Orleans Central Supervisory Union shall take the necessary measures to reduce the loss of instructional time for students."  

adopted.      reviewed Nov 28 2012

Procedure for the Prevention and Management of Head Lice in School

     OCSU’s Head Lice / No Nit Policy was designed to engage the parents and community in the prevention and treatment of head lice. OCSU schools apply a three pronged approach to head lice infestation management which includes (1) community education, (2) regularly scheduled screening and (3) temporary dismissal from school until all lice and eggs (nits) are removed.

 1.  Community Education:
  • OCSU’s Head Lice / No Nit Policy was designed to engage the parents and community in the prevention and treatment of head lice.  It is based upon recommendations from the National Pediculosis Association (NPA), a non-profit organization that has advocated for children and the safe and effective prevention and treatment of headlice  for over 25 years.  Here is a link to their wonderful website:
  •  OCSU schools apply a three pronged approach to head lice infestation management which includes (1) community education, (2) regularly scheduled screening and (3) temporary dismissal from school until all lice and eggs (nits) are removed. Everyone in the community who is responsible for the well-being of our children should have a basic understanding of head lice epidemiology and safe and effective treatment measures.
  • At the beginning of each school year, at kindergarten registration, and for students entering during the school year, the school will provide parents with information about head lice and the school’s “head lice / no-nit” policy.
  • OCSU schools wills provide their staff with information about head lice and the schools' policy.
  • Information about head lice and the schools' policy is available on the schools' websites.

  • OCSU schools will create opportunities to educate the community such as information booths at school events and articles in school publications and flyers.

  • OCSU schools will promote community participation and awareness by promptly informing parents when there is an outbreak of head lice.

 

2.  Regular Screening and Early Detection

  • Routine school-wide head lice screenings will be held at the beginning of school and after school vacation periods, providing families prior notice of such events. This encourages families to check their children’s heads, and when detected early, offers the best opportunity for successful treatment.

  • Screeners must be properly trained by the school nurse / staff nurse.

  • New 6” applicator sticks will be used for each student screened.

  • Professionalism and confidentiality will be maintained

  • Findings will be verified by microscope if necessary.

  • If screening is positive for lice or nits, findings will be discussed privately (if screening takes place in the classroom, this discussion will take place later in the health office.)

 3. Temporary Dismissal of Student

  • Notification of parent

    • Student will wait in health or main office until dismissed to parent

    • Parent will be shown findings (nits / louse)

    • Provide information on lice, treatment and school’s no-nit policy. (i.e. OCSU head lice pamphlet)

    • Encourage parent to contact school nurse with any questions or concerns.

    • Emphasize the importance of the manual removal of lice and nits and the procedure for the student to return to school (see below).

  • Return of student to school

    • Students may return to school when free of both lice and eggs (nits)

    • Parents will transport student to school and wait while the student is checked for lice and/or eggs (nits)

    • If lice or nits are found, parent will transport student home for further treatment as indicated. Even if there are no nits or lice present and student returns to school, the parent is reminded to continue to check daily for two weeks.

    • Once the student returns to school, he/she should be checked by the nurrse or designee periodically (at least every 3rd-4th day) for the next 2 weeks to ensure that treatment was successful.

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