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Administrative Procedure 318: HEAD LICE – IDENTIFICATION AND SCREENING

Background

The Division believes it is important to educate students, parents and staff regarding head lice. It is also important to have procedures in place to control the spreading of nits and thereby minimize the incidence of lice among students.

Procedures

  1. A student and/or staff member with head lice will be identified, notified and supported in a confidential non-judgmental manner.
     
  2. Students, staff and parents will be offered information on head lice prevention and treatment.
     
  3. Parents and school staff work together to prevent head lice infestation.
     
  4. When the Principal becomes aware of a student with head lice, school personnel will notify the parent(s) by telephone.
     
  5. Treatment protocol (Appendix) will be provided to parent(s).
     
  6. Parents will be provided with copies of the Chinook Health Region Head Lice Handout to follow and to share with the student’s immediate contacts, i.e. neighbours, relatives and friends.
     
  7. Student(s) may be removed from regular classes immediately upon detection of head lice and parent(s) will be contacted as soon as possible.
     
  8. In an effort to ensure ongoing communication between the home and the school, parent(s) are expected to the following:
    1. Contact the Health Unit.
    2. Provide recommended treatment.
    3. Notify the Principal when treatment has been completed.
    4. Ensure that the child returns to school as soon as possible following the treatment.
       
  9. Screening of classmates and staff of the identified student(s) may be conducted by trained volunteer(s).
     
  10. The volunteer will examine students and staff in a confidential manner in a setting to be determined by the Principal.
     
  11. Those further identified will follow the above process of notification.
     
  12. For student(s) repeatedly identified with head lice, a volunteer will re-check weekly until the head is clear. Parent(s) will be informed of the need for re-check.
     
  13. The Principal may deny access to the school for a student whose parent(s) refuse to provide the appropriate treatment or in cases where the condition persists despite treatment.
     
  14. Principals and parents may contact the local public health office for assistance with recurring problems.
     

Appendix

Appendix: Head Lice Treatment Protocol

Reference

Section 11,33,52,53,196,197,222 Education Act

Public Health Act

Chinook Health Region Head Lice Handout

 

 

Approved: December 13, 2001

Amended: August 21, 2018

 

Last Updated: August 4, 2021