What should I do if a child has lice, and how should I handle it at kindergarten? - briefly
Treat the affected child with a proven lice treatment, clean all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, and inform the kindergarten so it can enforce its exclusion policy, notify other parents, and arrange thorough cleaning of the facility.
What should I do if a child has lice, and how should I handle it at kindergarten? - in detail
If a child is diagnosed with head lice, immediate action is required to protect the child, classmates, and staff. The following steps outline the proper response for parents and kindergarten personnel.
Parents should:
- Confirm the infestation by examining the child’s hair with a fine-tooth comb under bright light. Look for live lice or nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Begin a treatment regimen using a pediculicide approved for the child’s age, following the product’s instructions precisely. Apply the medication, leave it on for the recommended duration, and repeat the second dose according to the label (usually 7–10 days later) to kill newly hatched lice.
- Wash all washable clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Comb the hair daily with a fine-tooth nit comb for at least one week after treatment, removing any remaining nits.
- Notify the kindergarten promptly, providing details of the treatment used and the expected timeline for the child’s return.
Kindergarten staff should:
- Verify the report by conducting a discreet visual inspection of the affected child’s hair, using a comb and adequate lighting.
- Isolate the child in a designated area away from other children until the parent has administered the first treatment dose and the child is ready to leave.
- Record the incident in a log that tracks lice cases, dates of detection, treatment actions, and follow‑up checks.
- Inform all families of a confirmed case without identifying the individual child, advising them to inspect their own children and to begin preventive measures if necessary.
- Implement a classroom-wide screening within 24 hours of the report, examining each child’s hair for lice or nits. Document findings and advise parents of any positive results.
- Reinforce hygiene policies: encourage regular hair checks, avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or brushes, and maintain clean play environments.
- Schedule a follow‑up inspection 7–10 days after the initial treatment to ensure the infestation has been eradicated. If any child still shows signs of lice, repeat the treatment protocol.
Both parties must maintain clear communication throughout the process. Prompt detection, accurate treatment, thorough cleaning, and systematic monitoring reduce the risk of recurrence and minimize disruption to the classroom routine.