Do I Need to Tell the School If My Child Has Lice? A Simple Guide for Parents
Understanding School Lice Policies
If you’ve just discovered lice, you’re probably wondering what to do next. One of the most common questions parents ask is:
“Do I need to tell my child’s school?”
The short answer:
It depends on your school district’s policy, but it’s almost always helpful to inform the school nurse, office, or your child’s teacher.
Different districts follow different guidelines. Some still have “no-nit” policies, while many others now allow kids to return to school even with nits in their hair. Even within the same district, policies may vary school-to-school.
Why You Should Tell the School (Even If Not Required)
Here’s why notifying the school is usually a good idea:
1. Schools can quietly monitor for additional cases
When a school is aware, they can check close contacts, siblings, and classmates so the situation doesn’t continue to spread.
2. It helps stop the cycle of reinfestation
Most reinfestations happen because another student wasn’t treated or checked. Schools can help break that cycle.
Does My Child Have to Stay Home?
This depends on your district. Here are the most typical policies:
Most Common: “No Live Lice” Return Policy
The child may return to school once no live lice are present.
Nits alone do not require exclusion in many districts.
Less Common: “No-Nit” Policy
Some schools require all nits to be removed before returning.
This is becoming less common but is still present in certain districts and private schools.
Very Common: They Let Kids Stay in Class
Many districts follow updated guidelines that allow children to:
Stay in school with nits
Finish the day before going home for treatment
Because lice is not considered a health emergency, many schools avoid removing a student mid-day.
What to Say When You Call the School
Here’s a simple script you can use:
“Hi, I just wanted to let you know my child has lice. We’ve already started treatment, and I wanted to make sure you’re aware in case you need to monitor the classroom.”
Short, simple, and private.
School staff will take it from there.
Frequently Asked Parent Questions
“Will the school tell other parents?”
Most schools send general notifications (no names listed), such as:
“A case of head lice has been reported in [Grade/Class].”
Your child’s identity is kept private.
“Do I have to bring proof of treatment?”
Usually not. Some private schools may request a quick check from a nurse before returning.
“Can my child go back to school tomorrow?”
In many districts, yes, as long as no live lice remain.
Check your district’s website or call the school nurse for their exact policy.
How Nit Picky® Helps Parents Get Kids Back to School Quickly
At Nit Picky®, we specialize in one-visit in-home lice removal that allows most families to get their children back to school the very next day.
Parents choose Nit Picky® because:
We remove lice and nits, regardless of the school policy, your child can safely return to the classroom.
It’s private, in-home, and stress-free
We use a safe, non-toxic, professional comb-out.
We show parents exactly how to check the rest of the family
No pesticides, no mess, no confusing steps
If you’re unsure what your school requires, we can help guide you.
Final Thoughts: Yes, It’s Helpful to Tell the School
While every district has different rules, letting the school know is typically the best choice for:
Preventing more cases
Protecting your child
Reducing classroom outbreaks
Helping parents and teachers stay informed
Lice are incredibly common and nothing to be ashamed of.
With the right help, your child will be back in school quickly and confidently.
