The head louse lays its eggs on the hair shaft near the scalp. A live louse and its eggs are most often found behind a child's ears, in bangs and at the base of the neck. They look like a fleck of dandruff, but they do not come off the hair shaft unless you scrape them off with your fingernail.

Not sure what lice and nits look like? photographs of lice and nits: see the links to the left under lice.

To help you deal with this common problem, the following preventative measures are suggested.

1. Be mindful of early warning signs such as head scratching or the appearance of white specks that remain in the hair.

2. Check your child's head at least once a week throughout the school year.

3. Inspect your child's head especially before and after a group activity such as a slumber party or camping activities.

4. Wash hats, scarves, hair ribbons, combs, brushes, and other hair accessories at least once a week.

5. Remind your children not to share their hats, combs, brushes, barrettes, etc.

6. Outer clothing that comes in contact with the head or neck should be washed frequently.

7. Be sure to wash your child's hair frequently.

8. Notify neighbors, friends, or playmates who have been in contact with your child that your child had head lice and is being treated.

In spite of all these precautions, your child may still get head lice. Head lice do not discriminate between "dirty" hair and "clean" hair. All children may contact head lice if appropriate conditions occur.

If you have questions about head lice, or if you find head lice in your child's hair, please contact the school nurse or building principal immediately.