Lakeland School Lice Policy

Lakeland Schools  

The district maintains a “no nit” policy which forbids students with lice to attend school.

“Administrative Procedures/Responsibilities

A. The Principal’s Role:

1. Send a letter to parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year to inform them about head lice and encourage them to check their child on a regular basis (Attachment 1: School Board Head Lice Parent Letter).

2. Designate two or more school personnel, preferably health contact/clinic aide, to inspect students for head lice or nits.  Those designated must have received instruction in head lice and nit detection and treatment procedures.

3. Ensure that checks are performed on any student showing symptoms of head lice infestation.

4. Exclude from school any child found to have lice and/or nits. (Refer to Section III: Disposition of Students Suspected of Having Head Lice/Nits)

5. Re-admit the student to the classroom when designated school personnel have inspected the child’s head and determined that the student has no lice or nits.

6. When the “Head Lice Transmittal Form” (Attachment 3:  Head Lice Transmittal/Ten Steps to Staying Ahead of Lice for more specific treatment recommendations) has been signed by the student’s health care provider the student must be readmitted to the classroom without additional head checks by school personnel.

7. Count the absence of a student identified with lice or nits as an excused absence for the first five (5) days of infestation.  Additional absences will be unexcused until the student is clear and able to return to class.

8. Ensure that each child has a place for his/her hat, coat and other belongings so they will not come in contact with the belongings of other children.  This protective measure must be maintained whether or not lice are known to be present in school (Attachment 6: Universal Precautions of Head Lice).

9. Ensure proper cleaning of the school to minimize the risk of transmission of head lice.  (Refer to Section C:  Preventing Transmission)

B. The School Nurse’s Role:

1.   Instruct school personnel, designated by the principal, in the correct method of screening for and identifying the presence of head lice.

2.   Provide instruction and communication with parents/guardians who request such assistance or are referred by school personnel.

3.   Assist in health education activities for faculty and students regarding head lice prevention, transmission and treatment.

4.   Act as a liaison with school personnel, students and parents/guardians.

5. Assist designated school personnel with students who have extended absenteeism due to head lice.”

  Source: Polk Co. School Board

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