Training Teachers to Deal With Head Lice at School

Teachers work hard to provide a safe and productive learning environment for their students. With a lot on their plate already, the last thing they want is to deal with a head lice infestation in the classroom. Unfortunately, head lice are a common rite of passage for many kids, so at some point, it’s possible that s(he)’ll have to deal with a lice outbreak in their classroom. Since teachers are not healthcare professionals, like the school nurse, it’s important to train them on how to go about a lice outbreak. Here are a few tips.

Find Out the School/District Policy Regarding Lice

Schools have different lice-nit policies when it comes to dealing with a case of head lice. Some allow students to stay in school to complete the day and then get it treated immediately when they get home. Some call parents to pick their kids up in the middle of the school day in order to deal with the infestation. Some enforce a strict no-nit policy in which the child isn’t allowed to come back to school unless they don’t have a single nit in their hair. It’s best to check what your school’s policy is regarding lice.

Notify All Concerned Families As Soon As Possible

The next logical step is to notify the family of the affected child immediately. Be calm and discreet about it so as not to make the kid in question feel ashamed. It’s also important to notify the families of other children in the class in case they have contracted or might contract head lice too. Just make sure you don’t name names so as to not give rise to lice-related bullying. Educate families on how lice are spread and how they can go about getting rid of it.

Have a Class Discussion or Seminar

It’s important to separate the myths from the truths from the start so that the kids are educated about how to deal with head lice. Since this is a sensitive issue, make sure you’re not pointing fingers. Instead, turn it into a general discussion about what lice are, how they can be prevented, how they’re spread, and how to get them treated.

De-Lice the Classroom

If the classroom has any pillows, stuffed toys, or blankets, etc., bag them up and get them cleaned. Lice can live on fabric-covered items for up to two days. Quarantine the items and then get them cleaned. Otherwise, you may risk having a lice outbreak all over again.

School Lice Screenings

If you suspect a lice infestation in your school, contact us for professional lice removal services. We have a head Lice Removal Salons for lice treatment Kendall and Pinecrest and provide effective camp and school lice screening services.