Head Lice Can Be Caught in Church - What to Do If it Happens to Your Child

Head lice?! Ewww!! That's most parent's first response. Head lice is all too common in school and daycare. But, did you know that head lice can be caught at doctors offices, during hospital stays, and even in church? Head lice in church is a growing concern among children's ministry workers.

Many children ride buses or vans to church. The close contact can aid in the spread of head lice. The lice is then brought into the classrooms and nurseries of the church.

When fighting head lice in church, workers need to be proactive. Design a lice policy that fits the church's situation. Don't just have a policy, enforce it. The following is an example of a possible church head lice policy.

When a child is seen scratching his head repeatedly, he is checked. He is called outside into the hallway where he is quickly checked behind the ears and at the nape of his neck. If lice is found, he is to be returned to his parents, if they are in attendance. If they are not at church, the child is to be separated from the class. The parents may be called to pick the child up, or to ask permission for someone to bring him home immediately. If the parents cannot be contacted, when there are enough helpers, one will sit with the child in a classroom. Bible stories are told and coloring pages are provided. If there are no helpers available to sit with him, he can be escorted to an adult class and set at an empty table with coloring pages and Bible story books.

To avoid embarrassment for a child with head lice in church, other children are also called out of class. They are told how well they are behaving or that you're glad they could attend. Stickers or small trinkets are given and they return to class. Also, remember to not look through the child's hair when there are other children in the hallway.

If students ask about the child who hasn't returned to class, the teacher should steer them back to the lesson being taught. It helps to have a few vague (but true) statements prepared for such an occasion. "He's visiting another class this morning." "He had to leave, but everything is okay," and, "He'll be back next week," are personal favorites.

One point not to miss is the feelings of the child with head lice. It isn't the child's fault. Don't act angry or judgmental toward the child. Remember, this is a very embarrassing situation for a school age child. Let him know that he is loved and you can't wait to have him back in class. You can let him pick out of the treasure box or give him a sticker.

Follow up is important when dealing with head lice in church. Send a note home or call the parents. Be pleasant . Sincerely inquire about the situation. Remind the parents that the church's lice policy requires a head check when the child returns to church. This may also be a good time to (delicately) offer free lice shampoo and other supplies to the family if you think they can't otherwise afford it.

Reassure the parents that you can't wait to have their child back at church. Sharing a cute thing the child has done in class, or, how well behaved he is really helps diffuse the tension of an embarrassing situation. Now is not a good time to speak to the parents about bad manners or behavior. Dealing with head lice is stressful enough!

Put your words into action. Check the children's heads when they return from being sent home with head lice.

Work with parents and be supportive. Sometimes, it is very difficult to rid children of lice. Especially when they are catching them from someone at school. It can be difficult to narrow down everyone who they come into close contact with.

If the problem persists, there are other methods to try.

1) Send home notes to all the parents of children in the Sunday School class in which head lice was found. Include tips on how to get rid of lice.

2) Remind parents that most insurances will pay for a doctor's visit and prescription lice ridding methods.

3) Ask the child's school to check all the kids on the bus and in the classroom of the child with head lice.

4) Start checking heads before children board the church vehicle. Yes, this is time consuming, and embarrassing for those who have lice. It would be advisable to use this only as a last resort. Send notes home to the parents the week before you do this.

One way to prevent head lice in church from spreading is to be proactive. When a child is found with lice, spray the classroom with lice killing spray. Also, spray everywhere the child may have been: restrooms, classrooms, pews, fellowship hall, and the van.

Vacuum all carpeted areas and upholstered pews. Let parents know that when head lice happens (and eventually it will), you've got a plan. Encourage communication. If a child is found with lice at home, the parents should feel comfortable calling and letting you know. Then you can keep an eye out for other children scratching their heads.

Be discreet. A parent won't call you if they think you will tell the whole congregation their child has lice.

To summarize:

Have a plan and follow it.

Promote open communication with parents.

Be sincere and supportive.

Provide lice killing supplies and instructions to those who are in need.

Follow up with head checks or other necessary steps.

Reassure the child that he is valued and loved.

Identifying the affected children and acting quickly will keep head lice from becoming a church-wide problem.