School Lice Policies

Orland Park Schools This district has a lenient lice policy. Children with head lice may remain in school and then go home to be treated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a clinical report regarding the subject of head lice in May 2015. Head lice (pediculosis) are a common and recurring nuisance among school age children and have been around since antiquity. Head lice infestation causes a high level of anxiety. The recent position statement released by the AAP serves to update schools, parents, and clinicians on the identification and treatment of head lice.

Every school district sets their own rules for how to manage lice outbreaks in the classroom, some enforce a “no nit” policy, others implement current “evidence based practices” recommendations by the CDC and National Association of School Nurses. School policies in the Vernon Hills and Palatine regions vary widely, so it is wise to check with your child’s school for their particular policy.

Every school district sets its own head lice policy, so there can be much variability from one school to the next, here is the Policy for Lake Forest schools: Lake Forest Schools This district has dropped its “no nit” policy but children with live bugs will be sent home for treatment. “Students diagnosed with head lice will be sent home from school. They may return to school, provided appropriate treatment has been initiated. Nits may persist after initial treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling live lice.