Based on documented studies and national best practices, the following guidelines have been developed for the Madison Public School District. The goals of the school nurse are to contain infestation, provide appropriate health information for treatment and prevention, prevent overexposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, and minimize school absence. (National Association of School Nurses)

1.  Any child with live lice will be sent home from school for treatment. The nurse will check all siblings.

2. Prior to returning to school, the child and siblings will report to the nurse’s office and will be checked by the school nurse. Further head checks may be done at the school nurse’s discretion.

3. Once treatment has been rendered, the child may return to school. The parent will notify the school nurse of the treatment given to be documented in the student’s school medical chart. Parents are requested to notify the nurse when the 2nd treatment has jbeen completed as directed by the product used.

4. Class/group screening will occur at the discretion of the school nurse. Head lice screening programs have not had a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in the school setting over time and have not proven to be cost effective. (American Academy of Pediatrics)

5. Insecticidal treatments targeted at de-lousing of the classroom furnishings, contents, etc. will not be done since this is not a proven effective means of eliminating infestations and unnecessarily exposes occupants to insecticidal residues. (Harvard School of Public Health).

6. When a case of head lice is discovered in an elementary class, the parents/guardians of all the students in that class and or grade will be notified. The parents will be instructed to administer head checks on their children at home and report if any heady lice or nits are detected to the school nurse.

7. It is also recommended that parents inform all other facilities that your child attends (BASCC, YMCA, etc.)  to help prevent the spread in the community.

Updated 2/2024