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Connecticut School Lice Policies - New Haven, New London, and Middlesex Counties
The following information was sent out in The School Nurse Bulletin to all Connecticut school nurses in September 2010: “Head lice infestation is associated with limited morbidity, but causes a high level of anxiety among parents of school-aged children. Since the 2002 clinical report on head lice was published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), patterns of resistance to products available over-the-counter and by prescription have changed, and additional mechanical means of removing head lice have been explored. This revised clinical report clarifies current diagnosis and treatment protocols and provides guidance for the management of children with head lice in the school setting. Summary of Key Points: No healthy child should be excluded from or allowed to miss school time because of head lice. No-nit policies for return to school should be abandoned.” Some schools in New Haven, New London, and Middlesex counties adhere to the recommendations above while others maintain their "no-nit" policies. The following schools have dropped their "no-nit" policies.
Branford Public Schools
Branford Public Schools do not have a “no nit” policy and follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Lice are a common infestation of the head in young children. Most commonly, the lice cause itching. The policy of the Branford Pubilc Schools is to minimize school absence due to head lice infestation. An excellent source of information the diagnosis, and treatment of head lice can found at the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read more: www.branford.k12.ct.us
Ansonia School District
Children may not return to school "until hair is clear – no appearance of live nits and has used prescribed shampoo or over-the-counter treatment, especially for the treatment of head lice." Waterford Schools
- "If live lice or nits appearing in close proximity to scalp are observed the student is to be considered to have pediculosis. In this situation the principal will exclude the student, and the nurse will instruct the parent or guardian on treatment procedures and precautions against spreading. The school nurse/health aide or Principal will notify parents immediately.
- The nurse or school aide will do head checks on all children in classroom and on any siblings of infected children. Examination consists of sectioning and parting of hair using wooden applicator sticks. If students have siblings in other schools, the nurse will notify the school nurse of that school. The siblings will be screened immediately.
- Identified students may return to school immediately following treatment which includes the application of head louse shampoo. The parent will be required to sign a statement attesting to the administration of appropriate treatment, and the student will be rescreened by the nurse or school health aide (see form #8.)
- Identified students are to be rescreened seven to ten days after readmittance to school. Parents will be required to sign a statement attesting to the administration of appropriate treatment at that point in time.
- If there are nits which are not close to the scalp in a child’s hair and there is a question as to whether there is a currently active infestation, implementation of the above-stated procedure will be strongly recommended to the parents. This is to be done in the best interest of the child and the school community.To ensure confidentiality, the names of the children who have pediculosis will be shared with no other parents an
- d with only those staff members which the principal deems to have a reason to know. No parents other than the parent of a child in question will be present when a child is being individually rechecked by the nurse or health aide.
- If a student’s pediculosis problem does not appear to be eliminated by the standard medical treatment, the school medical advisor may intervene and request the school principal to exclude the student from school until all lice or nits have been removed from the student’s head."
More information: www.waterfordschools.org The school districts below maintain "no-nit" policies.
New Haven Unified School District
New Haven Schools retain a “no nit” policy. “School employees shall report all suspected cases of head lice to the principal or designee as soon as possible. The principal or designee shall examine the student and any siblings of affected students or members of the same household. If nits or lice are found, the student shall be excluded and parents/guardians informed about recommended treatment procedures, ways to check the hair, and sources of further information. The principal shall send home the notification required by law for excluded students. (Education Code 48213) If there are more than two students affected in any one classroom, all students in the class shall be examined and information about head lice shall be sent home to all parents/guardians in the class.” Excluded students may return to school when they bring a note from the parent/guardian indicating the treatment used and when reexamination by the principal or designee shows that all pests and nits have been removed." Read more: www.nhusd.k12.ca.us
Derby Public Schools
"We continue to follow the NO-NIT policy which means that if your child has been found to have lice/nits, they will have to be rechecked by the nurse before re-entering the classroom. Therefore, it is recommended that you accompany your child in the event that your child is not NIT-FREE. We are recommending the following steps that should be taken to help prevent and control the spread of head lice:
- Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, sporting activities, playground, slumber parties, and camp.
- DO NOT share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sporting equipment, and hair accessories (hair ribbons, barrettes).
- DO NOT share combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfest combs/brushes used by the infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130 F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person may have come in contact with. You should use HOT water for the wash cycle and the dryer setting should also be on HIGH heat."
Clinton Schools
"Children with head lice will be excluded from school until the hair has been treated and ALL of the eggs (nits) have been removed." More information: connecticut.webschoolpro.com
Cromwell School District
"Children with head lice will be excluded from school until the hair has been treated and ALL of the eggs (nits) have been removed." More information: connecticut.webschoolpro.com
Old Lyme Schools
"Children with head lice will be excluded from school until the hair has been treated and ALL of the eggs (nits) have been removed." More information: connecticut.webschoolpro.com
