13 - Head Lice

Head lice, often spread by direct head-to-head contact outside of school, are most commonly found in young children. Head lice and nits (eggs) do not transmit disease and are not a significant health hazard. The Collier County Public Schools’ procedure regarding management of head lice is based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC).

• If a student has signs or symptoms of head lice, the school nurse or trained school staff will check the student’s hair and scalp to determine if live lice or nits are present
• If live lice or nits, are present, the parent will be asked to pick up the child and will be given instructions for treatment and removal of the nits and/or lice. Siblings will also be checked.
• Students who have nits only may return to class and will be rechecked daily until they are nit free. If a student still has nits after seven days, the child will then be sent home again and the parent will need to retreat the student. Upon returning to school the student will be rechecked daily until clear. Should the student have nits again for seven consecutive days the student will then be sent home and not permitted to return to school until they are nit free – A referral to the Collier County Health Department will also be made at this time. Once clear the student will be rechecked in 8-10 days and if clear they will be checked again at 2-3 weeks and if clear at that time the student’s case will be closed.
• The parents must accompany the child to school after treatment. Students who continue to have live lice upon recheck may not return to class and will be rechecked according to a specific protocol.
• Please check your young child frequently and notify the school nurse if lice and/or nits found.
• For more information, please contact your school nurse.