Handling Head Lice in Your School or Daycare

Catching head lice is an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience for anyone. The lice can be difficult to get rid of individually but are even more bothersome if there is an outbreak in a school. In this situation, there are multiple sufferers needing individual treatment. The facility itself also needs to be disinfected to prevent re-infestations. Completely ridding a school of head lice is a challenging proposition.

Step 1

Check every child after any one student is known to have head lice. Look closely at the hair shafts for "nits" which are similar in size to a sesame seed, as well as eggs that resemble dandruff.

Step 2

Contact parents of children who have lice so they can be picked up immediately. Head lice spreads quickly through school populations.

Step 3

Instruct parents on how to treat a child with head lice. The parents will need to purchase a commercial treatment that includes a shampoo and nit comb. Parents should be advised to disinfect brushes and combs in the lice ridding shampoo to get rid of any nits or eggs contained therein.

Step 4

Tell parents of infected kids to wash the child's clothes, linens, and towels in very hot water. They should also be advised to vacuum thoroughly.

Step 5

Send out letters to all parents of children enrolled in the facility. Let them know that cases of head lice have been found so they need to be alert to the possibility of their children becoming infected. Explain that head lice can occur on any child and is not a cause for embarrassment.

Step 6

Inspect children returning from a case of head lice to make sure no nits or eggs remain. A school's facilitator may require a physician's note clearing the child to return to school.

Tips
Instruct students not to share intimate items such as hats, brushes and combs.
Keep student jackets and other clothes in such a way that items do not touch those of another student's.
Seek out a natural product for treating head lice if you do not wish to use a shampoo with a mild insecticide.
Remind them that the child must be completely free of nits and eggs before returning to school.

Warnings
Be mindful that all staff treat children with head lice with respect.