Managing Head Lice in the School Setting
Staff and Public Health Roles
Principal's responsibilities
As a school Principal it is your responsibility to:
- Ensure that the parents of students suspected of having head lice are notified of the suspected infestation.
- Ensure that students identified as having head lice have been adequately treated by a parent or guardian.
- Send an "Inspection Recommended" parent notification letter (PDF #37KB) to parents and guardians of students who have had contact with a student suspected of having head lice.
- Review head lice concerns with your school photographer and suggest the same comb or brush not be used for all students.
Teachers’ responsibilities
As a teacher or support staff person it is your responsibility to:
- Know general facts about head lice and be aware of head lice signs and symptoms.
- Tell your principal or vice principal if you suspect a student has head lice.
- Minimize student head-to-head contact in class and the sharing of combs, hats, scarves and earphones.
Peel Public Health’s responsibilities
Peel Public Health is responsible for:
- Providing consultations regarding head lice prevention and management. Consultations are available through Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or through the Public Health Nurse assigned to your school.
Peel Public Health has no role in checking for lice or nits, or in the exclusion and readmission of students to schools/daycare.
