Head Lice (Pediculosis)

Rockwall ISD follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)in the management of head lice in the school setting.

Head lice are a common nuisance among school-aged children and can affect anyone. It is spread by direct head-to-head contact. Head lice do not transmit disease nor are they a serious medical condition. The most common symptom of head lice is itching; however it may take up to one month after lice get on the scalp for itching to begin.

Check your child’s head regularly. This is the best way to spot head lice or their eggs (nits) before they have time to multiply. Click here for excellent information about head lice for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Exclusion and Readmission

Students found to be symptomatic of lice infestation will be assessed by the school nurse/clinic personnel. For students found to have evidence of live lice infestation:

• Exclude students at the end of the school day. Students must be free of live lice before readmission.
• School nurse/clinic personnel will check students excluded for live lice upon return to school to determine effective treatment.
• Instructions for the treatment of head lice are available from the school nurse.