Standard Procedure:

1. The building administrator will designate 1-2 staff members (other than a nurse) to be trained for head lice cases.
2. Suspected head lice cases will be referred to trained school staff.
3. If students are identified with live lice, trained staff should:

3. • Allow students to remain in class until the end of the day, avoiding close head contact.

3. • Notify the teacher and parents/guardians.

3. • Screen siblings or close contacts, or notify their school.

3. • Provide the "Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know" pamphlet.

4. Notify the classroom teacher that the student was checked and can return to class.
5. The school nurse or trained staff may re-check the student in 7-10 days.
6. Notify parents/guardians of findings and the need for follow-up. If the student attends daycare, ask parents/guardians to inform the daycare.
7. Newly identified students with live lice can remain in school and ride the bus home as usual.

Parent Responsibility:

• Check your student(s) before school starts in the fall and after school breaks.
• Contact the school if you suspect your child has live lice.
• Inform family and friends to check their children.
• Treat your child and follow the "Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know" guidelines. Students can return to school once treated and checked by school staff.
• Continue combing and picking for nits daily for two weeks, focusing on the scalp.
• Examine all household members and treat anyone infested. Consult a healthcare provider for children under 2.
• Soak brushes, combs, and hair clips in pediculicide shampoo or hot water (above 120°F) for 10 minutes.
• Wash clothing, bedding, and linens used by the affected person within the past two days using the hot cycle for 30 minutes.
• Vacuum rugs, carpets, furniture, car seats, and strollers. Discard the vacuum bag or securely bag the contents if using a bagless vacuum.
• Avoid using environmental sprays due to potential toxicity and ineffectiveness.

Teacher Responsibility:

• Discourage close head contact in the classroom. Separate coats and store hats and gloves in coat pockets or sleeves.
• Recognize that lice are communicable and any student may be affected.
• Assist in monitoring student attendance until treatment and re-screening are completed.
• Protect the identity of students with head lice.
• Be alert to signs of lice infestation, such as head scratching, especially at the nape of the neck.

Office Responsibility:

• Designate 1-2 full-time staff members to be trained in lice identification.
• Assist teachers and nurses in managing student attendance until treatment and re-screening are completed.
• Expect students back in school within 1-2 days of parent notification and appropriate treatment.
• Protect the confidentiality of students and their families.
• Ensure parents understand lice treatment and protocol with the nurse's help.
• Recheck students in 7-10 days if necessary.
• Notify the maintenance department to thoroughly vacuum classrooms with 3 or more unrelated cases. Discard the vacuum bag or securely bag the contents if using a bagless vacuum.

Nurse Responsibility:

• Provide information from healthychildren.org.
• Train office staff on lice detection and procedures.
• Coordinate with office staff to track students with confirmed lice cases.
• Support staff education on lice procedures.
• Monitor student attendance.

 

References:

• Washington State Department of Health (DOH): Head Lice | DOH
• National Association of School Nurses (NASN): Position Statement: Pediculosis Management in the School Settings (2020) | NASN
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Head Lice (Clinical Report, 2022) | AAP
• HealthyChildren.org: Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know

 

Highline School District 401
Approved by the Superintendent: August 28, 1985 
Revised by the Superintendent: 04.86, 08.89, 09.91,04.08, 01.12, 07.18. 02.25