Pediculosis (Head Lice)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services removed head lice from the contagious disease advisory because head lice do not spread any type of disease causing bacteria or virus that directly results in an infection or illness.

The Tarkio R-I School District does not perform a routine, regularly scheduled school-wide screening for head lice with the exception of the Kindergarten through Second Grade population, which will be screened upon return to school from periods of closure greater than five (5) days. Additional screenings may occur when two or more cases of live lice are identified in the same classroom. The school nurse or designee may screen any student when deemed appropriate and necessary.

Students with Live Lice:

When live lice are found on a student, all other known students attending the Tarkio R-I School District living in the identified child’s household will be screened for the presence of live lice. The parent/guardian will be notified to pick up the student and meet with the school nurse or designee before the student is sent home. Instructions in current treatment, eradication methods and school protocols will be reviewed with the parent. Exclusion of the student(s) identified with live lice will not exceed 24 hours. Students must be re-screened for lice with a parent/guardian present prior to returning to the classroom setting. An additional re-screening will be conducted 6-10 days following the original identification of live lice. Should live lice be found during the re-screening, then the instructions, eradication, exclusion, and re-screening will be repeated until such time as there are no live lice on the student.

Students with Lice Eggs (nits) without Live Lice:

Students identified with head lice eggs (commonly referred to as “nits”) will not be excluded from school. Parent/guardian will be notified and instructed in lice egg removal techniques.

Students will be re-screened every 5 days until no lice eggs are found for 3 screenings. Parents/guardians of students identified with live lice or eggs for a third time may be reported to Missouri Social Services, Children’s Division, for review and intervention.

Confidentiality of student(s) will be maintained in accordance with FERPA and Board Policy.

Prevention education will be distributed to families throughout the year.