What should be done if there are lice in a preschool group? - briefly
Immediately separate any child showing signs of infestation, inform parents, and schedule a professional lice treatment for the entire group while deep‑cleaning bedding, toys, and surfaces. Conduct a follow‑up treatment after seven days to confirm complete removal.
What should be done if there are lice in a preschool group? - in detail
When head‑lice are identified among preschoolers, the response must be swift and systematic. First, separate the child or children who show live insects or nits from the group to prevent further spread. Notify the parents or guardians immediately, providing clear instructions for treatment and a timeline for returning to the classroom.
Next, conduct a thorough examination of every child in the class. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet hair, checking from scalp to ends. Record findings in a log that includes the child’s name, date of inspection, and result. Children without evidence of infestation may remain in class, but staff should monitor them for signs over the following weeks.
Environmental control follows the inspection. Wash all clothing, bedding, and washable items used by the affected children in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in plastic bags for at least two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and play mats; discard vacuum bags or clean the canister immediately. Clean surfaces such as tables, chairs, and toys with an appropriate disinfectant.
Treatment of infested children should adhere to the latest medical guidelines. Recommended options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to the package directions.
- Prescription‑only lotions or shampoos (e.g., 0.5 % malathion) when resistance to OTC products is suspected.
- Manual removal of nits using a fine comb, repeated after seven days to capture any newly hatched lice.
Parents must be instructed to repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to eliminate any surviving eggs. All household members should be examined, and simultaneous treatment applied if necessary.
Finally, maintain communication with families throughout the process. Provide written guidelines on detection, treatment, and prevention. Schedule a follow‑up inspection two weeks after the initial case to confirm eradication. Document each step in the preschool’s health record to ensure compliance with local health regulations and to facilitate future responses.