Shreveport School Head Lice Policy

Schools in Shreveport are either in Caddo Parish school district or Bossier Parish school district. Policies are quite different in these districts.

Bossier Parish Schools

Since 2018 schools in this district no longer adhere to a strict “no nit’ policy regarding head lice. Once treatment has begun and no live lice are present students may return to the classroom.

LICE

It is the policy of the Bossier Parish School Board to exclude from school any student suspected of having symptoms of head lice until satisfactory treatment has been given.  The student shall be readmitted to school after the parent or guardian states treatment has been administered.  Lice can no longer be present.  One excused day will be allowed for treatment of lice infestation; subsequent days may be deemed unexcused.  If days absent are excessive, the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance shall determine if excessive absenteeism is excused or unexcused.

Source: Bossier Parish School Board Policies

CADDO PARISH SCHOOLS

Schools in the Caddo Parish still retain a strict “no nit” policy for children who contract head lice. Students are not allowed to return to the classroom until all lice and nits are removed and their heads are checked by the school nurse. Certainly check with your child’s school to verify if they have updated their policy.

Head Lice - tiny insects that live on the human scalp. They cannot fly or jump. They can only crawl. Lice may come from many places – a friend, a church or theater seat, shared sweaters, caps, or by trying on clothes at a store. Anyone can get lice.  It is important that you inspect each member of your family daily for at least 10 days, then every week thereafter. Head lice should be suspected if there is intense itching and scratching of the head. Live lice are hard to locate because they move quickly, but their eggs or nits are much easier to see. They are small oval shaped, varying in color from white to brown to black. They are attached tightly to the hair shaft. Do not mistake nits for dandruff. Nits are firmly attached to the hair while dandruff can be brushed away.  If nits/lice are present, treatment should be administered immediately. You may consult your doctor or pharmacist for treatment or you can buy over-the-counter, lice-specific shampoo. In either case, instructions must be followed exactly.  Student will be excluded from school if lice or nits are present and will not return to school until treated and free from all lice and/or eggs (nits). The length of time that a child is absent is dependent on the parents' expediency in treating the child for lice and removing the eggs (nits).  Absences will be excused upon submission of a physician' statement.  The National Pediculosis Association, a non-profit organization, can also make recommendations. You may reach them at 1-800-446-4672. Their website is www.headlice.org.

Source: Caddo Parish School Board Nursing Program

Please keep your child at home should he/she show any of these symptoms:

· Head lice/nits

This is for the protection of other children and teachers. Parents will be notified to pick up children immediately if signs of illness occur during the day. Please be sure there is an emergency name and number to call in case you (parents) cannot be reached.

Source: University Elementary Welcome Packet

Whether your child’s school allows students who only have nits, but no lice,  to return to school, LiceDoctors has been assisting parents to comply with school “no nit” policies for more than two decades. Call 318-268-3727 now for confidence in returning your child to school. Technicians make house calls in Shreveport and all neighboring vicinities.