Treatment can begin after the school day
CDC guidance says a student found to have head lice does not need to be sent home early. The student can go home at the end of the day, begin appropriate treatment, and return to class afterward.
Nits can remain attached after treatment. Their presence does not automatically mean treatment failed or that a child is contagious.
Why experts discourage no-nit rules
The American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of School Nurses discourage policies that exclude children until all nits are removed.
- Many nits farther than ¼ inch from the scalp are dead or empty.
- Nits are firmly attached and are unlikely to transfer to another person.
- Unnecessary absence harms students and families.
- Nits are commonly misidentified by people without medical training.
Check your local policy
A school or daycare may still have its own written procedures. Ask privately what documentation is needed, and share that treatment has begun.
This article is educational and does not replace advice from your child's clinician or pharmacist. Always follow the current product label and seek professional help when you are unsure.