Great Neck and Port Washington School Head Lice Policies

Port Washington and Great Neck schools still hold to a strict “no nit” policy when it comes to head lice.

GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Head lice is a benign medical condition. Parents are the first line of defense in checking their children's hair for evidence of lice and/or nits (eggs) and if either is present treating them immediately using an appropriate product. The parent should then contact the school nurse. The school nurse will screen any child who is suspected of having lice. If lice and/or nits are present, the nurse will then screen any siblings in that school and the classes involved. Children who are found in the nurse's medical judgment to have live lice or large numbers of nits are to be sent home with instructions as to the best way to treat this problem. Parents/guardians of all children in the affected class(es) will be notified in writing. In order for the child to be readmitted to school after treatment, the child must be accompanied by an adult for reexamination by the nurse. Should the nurse judge that the treatment was not adequate or effective, the family will be informed that further treatment is necessary and the child will be checked again before admission is granted.”

PORT WASHINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Head Lice

“If your child is suspected to have head lice or nits, you will be called to come and pick up your child. As in the past, Port Washington School District complies with a strict “No-Nit Policy”. When your child is sent home from school due to head lice or nits you need to follow the following procedures.

• When lice or nits are found your child must stay home from school until they have been treated and are nit free.
• They may not take the bus to school until they have been cleared by the school nurse to return to school.
• Check all members of the family for lice and their eggs (nits). Nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp and are much easier to see than live lice. Look for small silvery/beige nits fixed to the hair shaft usually found at the nape of the neck and behind the ears, similar in appearance to dandruff, but not easily removed.
• Apply the lice treatment to all infested family members, following instructions carefully. After shampooing, remove the nits with a fine tooth comb (nit combs come with some head lice shampoos). Application of warm water with vinegar (1:1) or clear warm water may help nit removal.  Nits may need to be removed by using your fingernails or tweezers.
• Use hot water and detergent to wash sheets, pillowcases and clothing (at least 20 minutes).
• Hot dry or dry clean blankets, bedspreads, and sleeping bags; or seal in a plastic trash bag for at least two weeks.
• Soak combs, brushes, head bands and hair ties in the treatment shampoo or hot water for at least 10 minutes or wash in dishwasher.
• Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, pillows, and mattresses and discard vacuum cleaner bag.
• Bike helmets, head phones, stuffed animals should be placed in a plastic bag and tied for 10 days.
• When you feel you have cleared your child of all lice and nits drive your child to school to have their head checked by the school nurse.
• Remember to retreat with lice shampoo in 7 days.
• Please continue to inspect your child’s head for the possibility of head lice for the next few weeks.  Where nits have hatched, live lice may be seen.
• Head lice do not live on pets so do not treat your pets.

During the school year, it is a good idea to check you child’s head weekly, or when he/she complains of having an “itchy” scalp.  Talk to your child and remind him/her not to share or borrow combs, brushes, hats or scarves.

Source: Guggenheim Elementary Medical Office

Whether your school district adheres to a strict “no nit” policy or not, LiceDoctors is adept at eradicating both lice and nits and getting your child back to school quickly. Call 516-324-2800 now for same day fast effective treatment.