What should be done if a child has lice at preschool? - briefly
Notify the preschool administration and isolate the child while beginning treatment with an approved lice‑removal product. Check and clean all close contacts, clothing, and bedding to prevent further spread.
What should be done if a child has lice at preschool? - in detail
When a preschooler is found to have head‑lice, the first step is to inform the centre’s administration promptly. The child should be sent home for treatment and to avoid exposing other children during the infestation period.
The caregiver must apply an approved lice‑removal product according to the label instructions. Typical regimen includes:
- Application of a medicated shampoo or lotion, leaving it on the scalp for the specified time.
- Use of a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove live insects and nits, working from the scalp outward.
- Re‑treatment after seven to ten days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
- Washing of personal items (hats, scarves, hair accessories) in hot water or sealing them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
The preschool should undertake environmental measures to limit transmission:
- Laundering of bedding, towels, and clothing at ≥ 60 °C or sealing them in a bag for the same duration.
- Vacuuming of carpets, upholstered furniture, and toy storage areas.
- Disinfecting of hairbrushes and combs by soaking in hot water for at least ten minutes.
All families must be notified of the incident without naming specific children. The centre should request that parents examine their children for signs of infestation and, if necessary, begin treatment. A follow‑up inspection by staff within a week helps confirm that the problem has been resolved.
Records of the case, including dates of notification, treatment steps taken, and outcomes of follow‑up checks, should be maintained in the centre’s health log. This documentation supports compliance with local health regulations and provides a reference for future incidents.