OASD HEAD LICE PROTOCOL FOR 2017/2018:

• Please contact me if your child does have head lice. I must check your child's head prior to returning to the classroom. Thank you.
• Building will maintain CONFIDENTIALITY.
• Students with live lice OR viable nites may stay in school and will be referred for treatment at the end of the school day.
• Siblings will be inspected and parent notified.
• Treat promptly removing ALL live lice and viable nits.
• MUST be escorted by parent upon return and rechecked by school nurse before returning to classroom.
• School nurse is authorized to require proof of treatment and may exclude as needed.
• ***No more classroom head lice checks.
• ***No more "Head Lice Notification" letters sent home.
• PLEASE BE PROACTIVE!!! Perform weekly head checks on your child, encourage pony tails for students with long hair.

What are Lice?

The adult head louse is a small wingless insect, which lives in the hair and feeds by sucking blood from the scalp. The female louse lays her eggs (nits) on individual hairs where it joins the scalp. The eggs hatch after a week to ten days.

How are lice spread?

Lice are spread by direct contact or by sharing personal items such as hats, clothing or combs. Infection is most common among children, where lice may pass easily between playmates.

For many years, infestation with head lice was associated with poor hygiene and dirty hair. Infection with head lice is NOT a reflection on personal hygiene, but is rather a result of personal contact, which allows the insect to move freely from one person to another.

How do you know if your child has head lice?

Lice are very small, but can be seen with the naked eye. Head lice or their eggs are usually found at the back of the head and behind the ears. However, the entire head should be inspected. The eggs, better known as nits, are attached to the hair near the scalp.

What can you do if you find lice or nits on the hair?

Purchase a pediculicide from your pharmacy. Follow the directions. Report it to the school nurse.

What can parents do to help prevent the spread of lice?

While children are young and in close contact with their friends, it is adviseable to inspect your child's head weekly. Pay close attention to the areas at the back of the neck and behind the ears.

Another important step that parents can take is to brush the child's hair regularly. Brushing can damage the young insects before they become established and prevent them from laying eggs. If head lice are found, be sure to report it to the school nurse so classmates can be inspected. Please call your child's school nurse if you have additional questions.