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Head Lice Information and Resources
Policy 2895 - Head Lice Regulation 2895R
Please consult with your child's physician regarding treatment options. School nurses are also a good resource for tips and on current evidence practices.
The health services staff encourage parents to check their children weekly for signs of active lice. The pros of parent checks at home are many, but to name a few:
- Parents have more time to check one child versus the school nurse checking a classroom of 20+ students. Therefore, a more thorough check can be accomplished at home.
- Home checks do not disrupt educational time for the entire classroom.
- Evidence supports most lice transmission is in the community not at school and parents have knowledge of their child's routines, playmates, sleep-overs. etc.
- If active lice are found, it is emotionally easier for the student and family if it happens at home vs. at school. Other family members can be checked and treatment can begin immediately.
- Evidence supports the fact that by the time lice is found on a student in the classroom, the student has had lice for a month or longer. Checking at home weekly increases the chances of early detection and quicker treatment.
If parents need help in identifying lice or if they are unsure if their child has an active case of head lice, please contact the school nurse or health room assistant at your child's school. They are happy to check your student and offer resources for treatment. For more information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), please see the links below.
American Academy of Pediatrics
DHSS Head Lice Treatment Recommendations