head lice
the complete guide to the childcare exclusion period for head lice in Australia — how long to keep your child home, symptoms to watch for, and when they can return.
exclusion period
until treatment has commenced — the child does not need to be lice-free before returning
symptoms
- •itchy scalp
- •visible lice or eggs (nits) in hair
- •tickling feeling on the scalp
- •small red bumps on the scalp or neck
incubation period
eggs hatch in 7-10 days after being laid
contagious period
as long as live lice are present on the head. lice spread through direct head-to-head contact only.
notes for parents
head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene. they cannot jump or fly — they spread only through direct hair-to-hair contact. the child can return to childcare once treatment has started, even if eggs (nits) are still visible.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service and is not affiliated with any government department.