We hope to soon present a revision of our lice policy to the ECS Governance Committee for thier review. Until this time, we feel it is prudent and our responsibilty to ensure for a healthy environment for our children.

Through our consultation with Lice Knowing You, we made immediate changes that they suggested, notably moving from dry checks to wet checks. We were informed that in our circumstances, dry checks (taking a wide toothed comb and looking for lice by combing the hair) is less than 50% effective for detecting lice. We have therefore moved solely to wet checks (using hair conditioner or olive oil to saturate the hair and combing through the hair with a special lice comb). Thus we have, as per Lice Knowing You's recomendation, instituted weekly head checks when a case of lice is reported or detected. These weekly head checks are an important step in preventing the spread of head lice. 

In response to some parent concerns regarding the safety of wet checks, we consulted again with Lice Knowing You. Lice Knowing You would like for all parents to know that, "Wet head checks using olive oil and the Terminator lice comb are 95%-100% accurate in determining whether a person has head lice. They are much more reliable and quicker than just a visual head check. While olive oil can be a little slimy in the hair, it will not hurt the hair in any way and also acts as a natural barrier to the lice. Lice do not like oily hair."

In order to eradicate head lice from our school, it is imperative that all families maintain a high level of vigilance and awareness of lice. We recognize that eradicating lice is an extensive process and we as a school are available to consult with you on this process. We also want to let you all know that siblings and parents of our families can also be checked at our school.   

We want to also inform you that keeping your child home from school to avoid the spread of lice or to avoid being checked will likely exacerbate the spread of lice. Thus we strongly encourage everyone to come to school to be checked.

Lice Knowing You is offering us a special SJCC discount. Families interested in purchasing the Terminator Lice Comb can call Lice Knowing You at 206-910-3615 or visit their website at www.liceknowingyou.com. SJCC families will receive 20% off all lice combs. Independent testing shows the Terminator Lice Comb has been proven to be the best lice comb on the market today. Lice Knowing You has tested most combs on the market today and only recommends the Terminator Lice Comb for successful head lice removal.

We also want to reiterate last week's message regarding lice bags!
Protect your child's belongings
At our recent Licensing renewal visit, our Department of Early Learning Licensor reminded us that, as a licensed center for Early Childhood Education, we must provide an impermeable barrier between children's belongings. We request that all families purchase a "reusable grocery bag" (now available for $1 at all area grocery stores) in which to place your children's personal items while at school (i.e. their coats). An example of these type of bags is hanging outside of the ECS Office for your reference. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to create a safe and healthy place for all our children.