School Lice Policies

The Columbus schools do not maintain a “no nit” policy. If a child is found to have live lice then the child will be sent home to be treated. Upon return to school the next day the policy is stated on the district web site as: “The school nurse or another staff member trained in the procedure will check your child’s head to make sure there are no live bugs and progress has been made on combing."

The schools in the Inland Empire maintain a strict "no nit" policy. Children with head lice and nits are not permitted in school. It is important for parents to check with their children's school to be sure that your child is ready to return to school. The head lice policy with the Inland Empire is relatively strict compared to other school districts across the country that are moving toward less stringent guidelines and allowing kids with some nits back into school after they have been treated.

National recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses recommend that no healthy child be excluded from school due to head lice.