Lice Information
Lice are small external parasites of the human host. Lice do not spread disease and do not hop or fly. They can, however, spread easily from one person to another. There are three forms of lice: nits (eggs), nymphs (immature lice) and adults (lice). Symptoms of lice infestation may include a feeling of something moving in the hair, itching caused by an allergic reaction to the bites, irritability, and sores on the head caused by scratching that can become infected.
In accordance with the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics and in order not to disrupt the educational process, a student will generally not be excluded from school if he or she has nits. However, in the event of a widespread or uncontrolled infestation, upon the recommendation by the School Physician, students with viable nits may be excluded from school until the infestation is managed as determined by the School Physician or School Nurse.
Lice Protocol
When a possible case of lice comes to the attention of the School Nurse, the following protocols will be followed:
Identify if active lice exist (infested with live lice or viable nits);
Maintain confidentiality;
Contact parent/guardian;
Screen siblings; notify School Nurses where siblings attend;
Treat at home as recommended by healthcare provider;
Encourage parents to notify families who may have been exposed;
Educate the family regarding the importance of treatment and systematic combing to remove nits;
Instruct family to wash clothing/linens in hot water that have been in contact with the head of the person with lice;
Recheck students on return to school and possibly examine periodically thereafter;
Send notification from Administration to raise awareness as deemed necessary.
School Protocol
Remind students not to share combs, brushes, hats, etc.;
Send an informational letter home, as appropriate, to inform parents/guardians of a “confirmed case” without identifying the student, including tips on what to look for in affected class;
Provide a School Nurse telephone number in case the parent/guardian has any questions.
Additional Resources:
Head Lice Fact Sheet:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/pediculosis/fact_sheet.htm
About Head Lice:
YCSD Nurse Letter:
Head Lice Info Letter from YCSD Nurses
Adopted date: September 17, 2018
Amended date: October 2, 2018
Amended date: December 2, 2024