What about Lice

Head lice is very common among children. Although not an illness or a disease, head lice spread easily through head-to-head contact during play, sports, nap time, and when children share things like brushes, combs, hats, and headphones.

More information on head lice can be obtained from the DSHS website or the CDC.

The COCISD Lice protocol is as follows:

The district does not require or recommend that students be removed from school because of lice or nits.

1. If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, health clinic staff will contact the student’s parent to discuss a treatment plan using an FDA-approved medicated shampoo or cream rinse that may be purchased from any drug or grocery store. If the parent/guardian identifies lice at home, please notify your campus health clinic ASAP so they are able to accurately track cases.
2. After the student undergoes one treatment, the parent should contact health clinic staff to discuss the treatment used, and the student will need to be cleared through the health clinic prior to returning to class. Health clinic staff can also offer additional recommendations, including subsequent treatments, how best to get rid of lice, and how to prevent lice from returning.
3. The district will provide notice to parents of elementary school students in an affected classroom without identifying the student with lice.

COCISD Lice Administrative Guidelines

What should I do if my child has lice? 

¿Qué debo hacer si creo que mi hijo tiene piojos en la cabeza? 

Treatment Options

• Spinosad (Natroba): A topical treatment effective against lice and resistant strains. 
• Benzyl Alcohol: A liquid treatment that works by suffocating the lice. 
• Permethrin (Nix): A cream rinse effective against lice but can be less effective against resistant strains. 
• Pyrethrins (Rid): A common ingredient in many OTC lice shampoos and rinses, though lice have developed resistance to it. 

• Medicaid typically covers prescription lice treatment when seen by a doctor.
• Private insurance may also provide coverage; check your individual policy.
• Lice treatments are often an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)