School Lice Policy
Each school district develops its own lice policy, although many schools have opted to get rid of “no nit” lice policies which prevented children with lice eggs from attending school. Below are lice policies for the Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo areas.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria schools are among those who retain a “nit free” policy, meaning students are excluded from the classroom if any evidence of lice are found.
If you discover that your child has head lice, do not send them to school. Head lice must be treated and ALL nits removed BEFORE the child returns to school. Your child must also be cleared through the office before he/she returns to class. Please have your child stop at the office to be checked. The office staff is discrete and ALL MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS ARE CONFIDENTIAL!
Source: Joe Nightingale Elementary School Handbook
San Luis Obispo Schools
The San Luis Obispo school district allows students with nits to remain in school. Students with live lice will be sent home. On the web site, the district states,
“School is a VERY RARE source of transmission. Much more common are family members, overnight guests, and playmates who spent a large amount of time together… Classroom transmission is EXCEEDINGLY RARE and a waste of valuable teaching time. Checking family members and close playmates is much more appropriate.” Source: San Luis Obispo SD
Paso Robles Schools
This district maintains a “nit free” policy; students with live bugs will be sent home, but students with nits may remain in school.
“Each year millions of school- aged children in the United States get head lice. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don't cause serious illness or carry any diseases. Also, head lice can be treated at home. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is a "Nit Free" environment.” Source: Paso Robles School Dist.
If you find that your child has head lice, please call your school nurse to make sure that you have the most updated head lice policy. LiceDoctors will make a house call to you and treat your head lice problem whenever your need us. You can reach us at 805-242-5520 .