Home > Governing Board > Policies and Regulations > Section J > JLCCB-R

Governing Board Policies

Section J - Students

Regulation Title: Head Lice Regulation
Regulation Code: JLCCB-R
Lead Department: Health Services

Print Version In MS Word | In Adobe PDF

Head lice are a common problem in the US contributing to absenteeism in school age children. They are easily spread by physical contact and infestations can occur under the best sanitary conditions.

A standardized management of head lice is an effort to keep children in school lice and nit free.

  • Health office personnel will screen classrooms when head lice are detected and assist the parents with directions for treatment. A student will be sent home for treatment of head lice if there is evidence of live lice and/or viable nits (eggs) ¼ inch or closer to the scalp.
    • A letter such as that attached as Exhibit # JLCCB-E, with shampooing and combing instructions, will be given to parents upon detection of head lice.
    • Student will be re-checked for any viable nits and/or live lice on return to school.
    • In most cases, students should be able to complete treatment and return to school within five days. Parents of any students who are kept out of school for more than five (5) days due to unreasonable delay in obtaining and completing treatment may be subject to truancy proceedings.
    • The entire class of the student as well as siblings and their classes will be screened if live lice and/or viable nits are detected.
  • Students with chronic conditions will be addressed with pro active interactions to assist the individual families. Identified classrooms may be screened on a scheduled basis for early detection and follow up.
  • The student will not be denied re-admittance to school if nits (eggs) are present ¼ inch or further out on the shaft of the hair.

Reviewed: March 3, 2006 (Friday Report)