The Board of Trustees recognizes that head lice infestations do not pose a health hazard, are not a sign of uncleanliness, and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. The district is committed to maximizing students' academic performance and physical well being in a healthy and safe environment.
A head lice policy following the evidence-based recommendations of state and national health organizations will reduce embarrassment for students and anxiety for parents and school staff. Policy based on current research will prevent unnecessary absences and the potential negative effects on academic performance.
It is the Board's position that the management of pediculosis should not disrupt the education process. Data does not support school exclusion for nits. Children found with live head lice should be referred to the parent for treatment and temporarily excluded from school following the district administrative regulations pertaining to the management of head lice in schools. In consultation with the school nurse, the principal may also send information about head lice home to all parents/guardians of the students in that class within 48 hours. School staff shall maintain the privacy of student at all times.
The Board recognizes the importance of educating staff, students, and parents/guardians on the management and prevention of head lice.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
48320-48325 School attendance review boards
49451 Physical examinations: parent's refusal to consent
Management Resources:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLICATIONS
Guidelines on Head Lice Prevention and Control for School Districts and Child Care Facilities, rev. March 2012
A Parent's Guide to Head Lice, 2008
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NURSES ORGANIZATION
Pediculosis Management, Position Statement, rev. 2011
WEB SITES
American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org
California Department of Public Health: http://www.cdph.ca.gov
California School Nurses Organization: http://www.csno.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parasitic Disease Information, Head Lice: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head
Policy VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: February 17, 2011 Vista, California