NYSED Lice Recommendations

NYSED does not have a policy regarding head lice or nits. Decisions regarding the management of head lice/nits are made at the district level. Districts should develop and implement a written policy and procedure on head lice/nit management collaboratively with their medical director. The policy should be available to parents/guardians. FISD Board Policy regarding head lice is available here.

While head lice/nits are a nuisance, they are not a public health threat. Head lice/nits don't jump and can only be spread through direct contact, usually head-to-head, for additional information please refer to About Head Lice-CDC.

While the decision to exclude students for lice is a local decision, it is not recommended as stated in the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report - Head Lice (September 2022) "No healthy child or adolescent should be excluded from school or allowed to miss school time because of head lice or nits."

The Crown Act protects students' rights to wear or treat their hair however they desire, without the threat of racial discrimination or loss of access to school, participation in activities, and inclusion in opportunities inside and beyond typical classrooms. A school can if there is suspicion of a health issue look under a head covering.