Northwest Indiana School Lice Policy

The Indiana State Department of Health states that most school districts no longer have "no nit" lice policies in place. This means that children found to have lice eggs may return to school after treatment. The Department of Health does not endorse any lice policy; the decision of whether to have a "no nit" policy is left up to the individual school districts. (Note: In Northwest Indiana, most schools retain "no nit" policies.) Below is an excerpt from the government web site: "Transmission Transmission occurs by direct head to head contact with a person with a live infestation, or less frequently, direct contact with their personal belongings that are harboring lice, such as combs, hairbrushes or hats. Period of Communicability A person can spread lice as long as live lice remain on an infested person and/or eggs (nits) in hair are within a ¼" from the scalp. Head lice are most common among children attending child care or elementary school. Exclusion/Attendance School nurses should work with their administration and LHDs to implement a policy regarding head lice and attendance. A lack of scientific evidence hinders the ISDH from endorsing any policy; however, it should be noted that most school systems no longer support a “no-nit” policy." More information: www.in.gov

Gary School District

This district retains a strict "no nit" policy. "When a student has been diagnosed with head lice and returns to school with a doctor’s note, the appropriate treatment should have been applied and the hair must be free of all nits before they can return." More information: Csdunes.org

Munster Schools

"RULES FOR CONTROL OF DISEASES If you have any questions please call the school nurse for the information contained in the Indiana State Department of Health Communicable Diseases Reference Guide for School Personnel, 2002." Students may not return to school "until free of all lice and nits." More information: www.munster.us

Michigan City Schools

Children with lice are asked to stay home from school. "School attendance is very important to school success. However, sending sick children to school exposes other children and school employees to their illness. This could cause others to become ill and miss school days. Children with any of the following symptoms should be kept home: Any communicable disease or condition, i.e. head lice, scabies, impetigo, ringworm of the scalp, chickenpox, etc." More information: educatemc.net

Schererville Schools

This district has a "no nit" policy in place. In the fall of 2012, 32 students and 8 teachers were sent home from school with lice. School districts re-evaluate their lice policies from time to time. If you find lice on your child give LiceDoctors a call and we will clear you of the lice so that your child can return to school the following day. Call is at 219-392-4252 for service today!