Pediculosis (Headlice)
PEDICULOSIS IN THE SCHOOL
Position Statement
It is the position of the Lee County School System that the management of pediculosis (head lice) should not disrupt the education process. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) head lice is not a disease and does not require that a student with nits be denied attendance in school. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. This position is supported by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and the CDC.
Children found with live bugs or viable nits will be referred to parents/guardian for treatment either by phone call or a note at the end of the day. CDC recommendations will be followed. The school nurse, being the most knowledgeable professional in the school community, will provide guidance to parents/guardians regarding “best practices” for pediculosis management. The goal is to contain infestation, provide health education for treatment, prevent overexposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, and minimize school absences. Please note the following guidelines for managing pediculosis in the school setting:
- If a student is suspected of having pediculosis, the nurse will verify by visual examination with a
positive or negative finding.
- The parent will be notified of positive findings, and instructions will be given on how to properly clean
the hair, clothes, and other items that may contribute to the spread of head lice.
- The absentee policy as it pertains to pediculosis will be explained to the parent. Excused absences will
be 3 days per school year.
- Parent/guardian or designated adult should accompany student to the school for nurse to make a
determination as to whether a child can return to class based on visual examination. Student may not
ride the bus until cleared by the nurse.
- If after visual inspection it is determined that proper treatment has not been followed, the student
will be sent back home and instructions repeated to the parent.
- It is the responsibility of the parent to follow proper procedures for removing lice so the child can
return to school as soon as possible. Eliminating lice can be difficult parents are encouraged to
continue to check student’s hair after returning to class.
- If it is apparent to the school nurse that a family is diligently working to correct the problem, the
student may return to class and be closely monitored.
- Never initiate treatment unless there is a clear diagnosis of head lice
Devore, C & Schutze (2015). Head Lice. American Academy of Pediatrics, 135, 1355-1365. DOI:
10.1542/peds.2015-0746
Center for Disease Control (2015). Head Lice. Retrieved on 6/19/2017 from:
www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html
Alabama Department of Public Health. (N.D.) Head Lice. Retrieved on 6/19/2017 from:
National Association of School Nurses (2016). Head lice management in the school setting.
(Position Statement). Silver Springs, MD: Author.