If possible have volunteer screeners assigned to the same classroom, so they take a personal interest and the kids become comfortable with them.

Have a class list. When screening in the classroom, be sure to place a mark by every child's name, not just the children you want rechecked. Do not indicate by your demeanor which children you suspect may have lice.

Screening should be performed in a well-lit area, preferably natural light.

Screening should not take a long time, less than a minute per child.

Using two screening sticks, separate the hair starting at the crown of the head and working down the back of the head. Continue the process by separating hair in a systematic process around the head. Pay close attention to the nape of the neck and behind the ears, as these are spots where lice and nits are commonly found.

Do not send children to the office for rechecks immediately. Later that day, send the child to the office, where school staff may make a determination as to whether or not the child has lice and should be sent home.

Parents like proof of infestation. Remove a strand of hair with a nit attached and tape it to a sheet of paper with the child's name on it.

Parents should be given instructions on treatment and removal of nits. Parents should accompany the child back to school, so school staff may screen the child prior to return to the classroom.