Port Charlotte and North Port School Head Lice Policies

Nearby schools can have very different policies regarding head lice, even when they are geographically very close. North Port is in the Sarasota school district which has relaxed its head lice procedures in accordance with current evidence-based research regarding head lice. Yet very close by, Port Charlotte schools are in the Charlotte county school district and retain a strict no-nit policy.

Charlotte County School District

Getting rid of head lice is a time-consuming process, but it is not impossible.  There are a number of nonprescription treatments available; your pharmacist or doctor can offer you advice on selecting a product.  After using the treatment recommended to you, ALL nits should be removed because even one nit can cause a re-infestation.

Your child may return to school when the following conditions are met:

1. No active head lice present;
2. No nits present; and,
3. Parent/guardian and child have checked in with the school nurse prior to reentry into school.

Regarding the Charlotte County Public Schools Absence Policy:

Students excluded from school for head lice or nits will be allowed up to three (3) school days to remove the lice or nits. After three (3) school days for a single occurrence, the absences will be considered unexcused unless the principal or designee extends the excused classification for special circumstances. Continued re-infestation will be referred to the Director of Student Services and the Supervisor of District Health Services and may result in a referral to the Student Assistance Team as a pattern of non-attendance. (See Excessive Excused or Chronic Absences). 6  

Source Charlotte County Communicable Diseases

North Port Schools

School Action

Head lice create the most common form of ill will in the schools.  They are the nuisances, not the students, not the family.  Remember to keep the best interest of the child in mind.  Provide as much privacy and confidentiality as possible.  Handle the situation kindly, gently and with sensitivity.  Strive to ensure that the children do not feel badly about themselves because they have head lice.  Keep in mind that anyone can get them.

Follow the procedure below for the prevention and treatment of Pediculosis:

Students who are displaying signs of head lice, such as excessive scratching of the head, may be sent to the health room to be checked as needed.  A thorough examination of the hair and scalp should be done for the presence of live lice.

Siblings should be checked for lice infestation as well.

If nits are present, contact parent/guardian and send Nit Notification and Treatment Letter home with student.  Student can return to class with a pass from the health room aide or RN.  Student must report to the health room on a daily basis to monitor process of nit removal until no nits are found*.  Student must report to the health room in 10 days for a final recheck.  If nits are still present, the RN should be notified for follow up.

If lice are present, call parent to pick up the student.  

Give parent/guardian the following forms and review information:  

• Head Lice Notification and Treatment Letter - See Forms Section
• Head Lice Treatment & Nit Removal Plan (side two of above letter)
• Additional Head Lice Information for Parents/Guardians

Note: If the parent does not pick the student up, he/she can be given the information and ride the bus home at the discretion of the principal.

After lice treatment, the student must report to the health room with parent/guardian to be examined for lice/nits before they can return to class.    

• If no lice or nits are present, student can return to class with a pass from the health room aide or RN.  Student must report to the health room in 10 days for a final lice/nit recheck.
• If lice are present, the student is sent home with parent/guardian.  Note: Presence of lice 24 hours after treatment suggests a very heavy infestation, re-infestation, resistance  to therapy, or incorrect use of treatment product.  Discuss with parent/guardian what treatment was used and re-instruct on treatment options.  The parent/guardian may contact their licensed healthcare provider regarding re-treatment with a pediculicide.
• If nits are present, notify parent/guardian using the Parent Notification Form and encourage continuing daily efforts to remove all nits.  Student can return to class with a pass from the health room aide or RN.  Student must report to the health room on a daily basis to monitor process of nit removal until no nits are found*.  Student must report to the health room in 10 days for a final lice/nit recheck.

Classroom head checks are not recommended.  A Head Lice Information letter is available and can be used at the principal’s discretion.

Source: Sarasota Schools

If you are notified that your child has lice, we know that you want the situation taken care of right away. Call LiceDoctors now at 720-292-1991 and we will send a professional technician to quickly help get your child back to school with confidence.