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Pediculosis (head lice) can be a nuisance but it is not a communicable disease or a major health risk. Lice can affect anyone, regardless of cleanliness at home or school. It is not a sign of poor hygiene, and should not keep a child from being at school. Please be advised of Alma del Mar’s policies regarding lice:
What Alma Nurses Will Do
Our school nurses follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. If a nurse finds live lice on a scholar, they will:
- Keep it private. They will only tell the people who need to know.
- Check to make sure the scholar really has live lice.
- Call you (the parent or guardian).
- Give you information and help with treating the lice. They can also suggest you see your child’s doctor if needed.
Going Home and Returning to School
- If your child has live lice, they do not need to go home early from school. They can finish the school day and ride the bus.
- You must start treatment at home.
- Your child can return to school after appropriate treatment has begun.
- After treatment, the tiny eggs (nits) may still be on the hair, but the live lice should be dead.
What Alma Nurses Will NOT Do
Alma nurses will not:
- Check every child in a classroom for lice.
- Send scholars or staff home or keep them out of school because of lice or nits.
- Send general letters to the class or school about a case of lice. This is to protect your child’s privacy.
Your Job as a Parent or Guardian
You have the main job of preventing and managing lice. Please:
- Check your child's hair often.
- If you find lice, start treatment right away. Then, tell close friends or family who have been near your child.
We want to help keep your children healthy and in school. If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse.