Procedure 2.1.24 PEDICULOSIS

Approved: May 16, 2006

Revised: April 16, 2024

Principal Responsibilities

To provide an annual regular procedure for informing families about the prevention and treatment of pediculosis; Information Letter to Families (Appendix A) and “Facts About Head Lice From Timiskaming Health Unit & Porcupine Health Unit” (Appendix B) will be sent home each fall.
When a student is suspected / identified as having pediculosis:
1. Attempt to contact the family and request that the student be treated as soon as possible. If feasible, the family should pick up the student and commence treatment. If this is not feasible, the student will be removed from the classroom. Sensitivity to the feelings of the student will be given the highest priority.
2. Send home with the student the notice “Notice of Suspected Presence of Head Lice” (Appendix C).
3. Send home with the other students in the class “A Letter of Attention” (Appendix D).
4. May provide the family with a treatment kit should the family need assistance. If more than 5 kits are required during a school year, schools can access board financial support to purchase additional kits.
5. Readmit the student, after the family confirms treatment has been administered.

Family Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of eradicating pediculosis belongs to the family.

Families shall be aware of the symptoms which indicate the presence of pediculosis. Families shall examine the student’s head for a possible infestation particularly at the beginning of the school year, after breaks and during an outbreak.
Families are asked to notify the school when a student has head lice. When the school becomes aware that a student has head lice, the school must notify the other families with children in the same class. Upon receiving such notification, families are asked to check and monitor their students for the presence of lice and nits.
Families are expected to ensure effective treatment methods are carried out by following the tip sheet from the local health unit (Appendix B).
A student may be readmitted after the family confirms the administration of a treatment.

Teacher/Staff Responsibilities

The teacher shall actively promote and institute preventative measures for the control of head lice in the classroom. A preventative measure may include not sharing headwear or other head attire.
The staff is aware of the symptoms indicating the presence of head lice.
The staff notifies the principal of a suspected case of head lice.
During an outbreak, additional preventative measures are advised such as: monitoring close physical groupings, suspending contact sports and certain classroom activities such as dress-up centres, keep their hats, coats, scarves, etc. at their desks, remove pillows and stuffed animals and store in a plastic bag.

Appendices

References