Head Lice
Head lice (pediculosis) are a common issue in school communities. While they can be a nuisance, it’s important to note that head lice are not dangerous, they do not spread disease, and are not a sign of poor hygiene.
At Darien Public Schools (DPS), we follow evidence-based practices for the prevention and management of head lice. Our approach focuses on supporting families in identifying lice and nits while providing education to students, staff, and parents on effective prevention strategies. In line with current recommendations, DPS does not send school-wide lice notifications, as research shows these letters can cause unnecessary anxiety and stigma without reducing the spread of lice. Likewise, DPS does not conduct mass screenings, since studies have found them to be ineffective in lowering incidence, not cost-effective, disruptive to learning time, and potentially stigmatizing for students.
Our updated lice management practices are based on the most recent guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the AAP notes, “Education programs for families may be helpful in the management of head lice in the school setting” (AAP, Vol. 150, No. 4, Oct. 2022).
Don’t be discouraged, we can prevent the spread of head lice together!
Head lice can certainly be frustrating, but with consistent prevention efforts, we can work together to minimize their spread in our school community. Here are the facts: head lice are crawling insects—they cannot jump, hop, or fly. They are most often spread through close, prolonged head-to-head contact. Although transmission through shared personal items such as combs, hats, or sports helmets is possible, this is uncommon and not the primary way lice are spread.
What You Can Do
The best way to help prevent lice from spreading is by doing regular lice checks at home, ideally weekly or as needed. A thorough check takes about 5–10 minutes per child.
Helpful Hints for a Thorough Lice Check:
- Use a quality lice comb (e.g., LiceMeister®¹) LINK
- Perform checks on wet hair, leaving a small amount of shampoo or conditioner in to make spotting lice easier—especially on darker hair.
- Begin at the nape of the neck, then check behind the ears, which are common sites for lice.
- Use a bright light (like a phone flashlight) and/or magnifying glass, if available.
- Place the comb at a downward angle close to the scalp and comb through to the end of the hair.
- Wipe the comb on a paper towel after each stroke and check for any lice or nits (eggs).
- Continue until you’ve checked the entire scalp.
Please treat your child before returning to school. Current medical guidance recommends the following:
- Begin with an over-the-counter treatment (e.g., a product containing pyrethrins), and repeat on Day 7.
- If lice persist, consult your healthcare provider about a prescription treatment (e.g., Ovide).
- If lice still remain, switch to mechanical removal only, as repeated use of pesticide treatments is not recommended and may be harmful.
The school nurse will contact the parent/guardian. You will be strongly encouraged to pick up your child and treat them using an over-the-counter lice product before their return to school.What We’re Doing at School
Teachers and staff are advised to modify activities to minimize close head-to-head contact and continue reinforcing our no-sharing policy for hats, combs, brushes, and clothing.
If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school nurse.