Pediculosis (Head Lice)-AP 318
The Division recognizes the concern represented by the transmission of pediculosis (head lice)in schools, and, therefore, encourages close communication between school staff, parents and public health regarding the detection and resolution of instances of pediculosis. Care will be taken to protect the individual from undue invasion of privacy.
Procedures:
- School administration shall work with public health authorities and School Councils to describe and then communicate to parents both preventative and remedial procedures for dealing with instances of pediculosis.
- Students will be permitted to return to school once they have undergone a recommended course of treatment.
- If there are ongoing concerns about particular cases not responding or being compliant with therapy, school administration shall inform the Public Health Authority of these concerns.
At Vilna School, we realize the occurrence of head lice especially in elementary grades is common. It is a myth to suggest that having head lice is associated with any degree of cleanliness. Lice will infest hair washed daily or once a year (lice prefer to live in healthy hair and scalps!). Head lice are unpleasant, but not life-threatening. They are not a sign of illness. For their own natural survival, lice tend to be more common in the longer, thicker hair of females than the usually shorter haired male. Parents are requested to give their child(ren) weekly examinations of the hair and scalp. If head lice are located, please contact the school. A treatment with a lice shampoo plus removal of nits with your fingernails will be necessary. Periodically, staff members will run checks on the students.
Information on head lice can be found at: