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Much of Michigan follows statewide policy recommendations:
Policy Recommendation
At this time, MDCH and MDE recommend a policy that focuses on the exclusion of active infestations only. Active infestations can be defined as the presence of live lice or nits found within one quarter inch of the scalp. Nits that are found beyond one quarter inch of the scalp have more than likely hatched, or are no longer viable.
- Any student with live lice (or nits within one quarter inch of the scalp) may remain in school until the end of the school day (see recommended procedures, page 23). Immediate treatment at home is advised. The student will be readmitted to school after treatment and examination. If, upon examination, the school-designated personnel find no live lice on the child, the child may reenter the school.
- Any student with nits (farther than one quarter inch from scalp) should be allowed in school.
- Parents should remove nits daily and treat if live lice are observed.
LIVONIA SCHOOLS
Schools in Livonia do not retain a stringent “no nit” policy regarding head lice meaning that they will allow a student to stay in the classroom if nits are found.
HEAD LICE Parents are asked to report to the school any time they find head lice on their children in order for the school to take appropriate measures. Keeping the condition secretive can lead to more cases or reinfestation. Children will be examined upon return to school and must be free of lice. Head lice treatment information is available through the school office. A letter will be sent home with all students in the classroom where head lice has been reported.
Dear Parent/Guardian You are receiving this letter because head lice or recently laid nits (eggs) have been found on your child’s head. Don’t panic! Head lice are not considered a health risk because they do not spread disease or illness. Head lice among school children are a common frustration; however, the spread of head lice can be controlled and prevented. To help prevent the spread of head lice, it is important to treat your child today after school. Use a lice shampoo or other method to kill live lice, such as manual removal with a lice comb. Always follow the package directions when using a lice product. To remove nits after a treatment is done, use a lice comb, combing small sections of wet hair at a time. Once a treatment has been done, your child may return to school, but check in at the school office so designated personnel can re-examine your child’s hair in a private location. Remember to check everyone in the household and treat anyone that has live head lice. If you think you see nits within one quarter inch of the scalp, but no live lice, continue to check daily. Check for live lice for two to three weeks following any treatment. A second treatment may need to be done in seven to ten days to kill any lice that may have hatched after the first treatment. Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact. Head lice do not jump or fly. Off the human head, lice cannot move with speed or direction. They feed off blood in the scalp and survive only on a human head. Lice do not survive much longer than one to two days off a human head. This makes it difficult for them to be transmitted environmentally. Adult female lice lay their eggs (nits) close to the scalp so the new louse can eat as soon as it hatches (otherwise it dies quickly). Nits are attached with a glue-like substance, making them very difficult to remove. Combing the hair when wet with a lice comb is a good way to find evidence of lice and remove nits. Remind your children not to have close head-to-head contact with others. Girls with long hair can wear it braided or in a ponytail to help avoid hair-to-hair contact. Please see attached instructions on treating head lice. If you have any questions contact your primary care provider.
Source: Livonia Public Schools Lice Letter to Parents
NOVI SCHOOLS
Schools in the Novi area allow children into school with nits, but not live lice.
School/Student Health
School/student health issues frequently surface throughout the year in different forms. In order to provide you with up-to-date information a link has been provided for you at the right of this page to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) website that will provide you with a wealth of information about topics such as the flu, ADHD, head lice and nutrition. It's all there for you to search on how you can address your child's health concerns. A second website listed is entitled "Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH). It will provide you with a wealth of knowledge for the adolescent age child. These sites will give you quick and reliable assistance for your child's health concern.
Whether your child’s school follows current recommendations for treatment of head lice or they retain a “no nit” policy, LiceDoctors is here to help you get your child back to school FAST. Call 248-633-8827 today.
