Parents upset at new lice policies implemented in Fairfield elementary schools

Fairfield parents say they are not happy with new head lice policies in the town's elementary schools. Department of Health officials say two new mandatory rules regarding how school nurses handle

News 12 Staff

Sep 19, 2014, 2:08 AM

Updated 3,676 days ago

Share:

Fairfield parents say they are not happy with new head lice policies in the town's elementary schools.
Department of Health officials say two new mandatory rules regarding how school nurses handle cases of lice went into effect at the beginning of the school year to fall in line with the CDC. Nurses are no longer required to administer lice checks on a full classroom once one child has been detected with lice.
Also, if a child is found with head lice, nurses will notify parents but it is no longer mandatory to send the child home early.
While officials say lice is more of a nuisance than a health concern, parents disagree and say they hope the board reconsiders the change in policy.
Health officials add that these new regulations have already been in place at all secondary schools in Fairfield prior to this year. They have also been implemented in the surrounding towns of Westport and New Canaan.