Pediculosis (Lice) DCSD procedures and guidelines

Pediculosis (Lice):  

The DCSD follows the procedures and guidelines outlined by the Scott County Health Department

DCSD head lice procedure

• General school or classroom screening is not recommended.
• Parents/guardian should screen their children weekly.
• Students will be screened at the discretion of the trained health professional in the school if lice are suspected or as a result of a reported case.
• Families will be notified by school personnel of the presence of head lice the same day they are detected.
• With the presence of a single identified case in a classroom, the families of the student’s classmates will NOT be notified.
• If truancy results from lack of treatment for head lice, the school will take appropriate action.

If head lice/nits are identified on a student, the following steps should be taken:

• The parents will be notified and arrangements will be made for parents to receive instructions on the elimination of the infestation from the school health professional.  Whenever possible, this exchange of information will be in person.  A packet of information will be given to parent or caregiver that includes:
  • Iowa Department of Public Health Pamphlet “Getting Rid of Lice”. (1-800-369-2229)  Review treatment steps for days 1-14.
  • Question and Answer sheet
  • Parent checklist
  • Treatment of head lice/parent responsibilities
• Parents will be strongly encouraged to treat promptly.  Students will be allowed to return to school after proper treatment has begun.  With prompt and thorough treatment, a student need only be absent from school for one day.  The school health office staff will complete a return to school head check.  Students may be excluded from school if they return to school on the following day and no treatment has begun.
• Parents will be strongly encouraged to remove all nits.

Please contact the school health office for assistance.