This policy applies to all New Directions staff, clients, and visitors.

1. Steps to be taken if a student’s home is known to have a bed bug infestation:
   • Do not send a child home from school if they are known or suspected to have a bed bug infestation at home.
     • Missed school days have a negative impact on children and it can take many weeks to control a bed bug infestation.
   • Send a letter to the student’s parent or guardian that includes:
     • steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of bed bugs being transported to school.
     • bed bug treatment information.
     • recommendation the student is examined by their physician for bed bug bites (small red bumps or welts that similar to a mosquito bite) that may be itching which can lead to bleeding or infection of the skin.
   • Program Manager will use their discretion to determine who additionally needs notified based on the specific circumstances.
2. When bed bugs are found on a student’s belongings, there are three ways to discreetly handle this:
   • Isolate the student’s belongings by providing the student with plastic bags or a plastic bin in which to store their belongings while they are at school.
     • All efforts will be made not to stigmatize or exclude students who are suspected or may have brought bed bugs to school.
   • Reduce the number of items that the student has to transport between school and home.
   • In a discreet manner, regularly inspect the student’s desk and/or locker for bed bugs.
3. Responding to Bed Bugs in the school:
   • A suspected bed bug; without squishing it will be put in a plastic bag or on a piece of clear tape and given to a professional for identification.
   • When it is confirmed bed bugs are found in the school, New Directions will work with a Pest Management Professional (PMP) to inspect and treat the school.
     1. Over the counter insecticides are not effective against bed bugs.
   • Identified areas will be cleaned with hot soapy water to reduce the risk of bed bugs.
4. Preventing Bed Bugs in the School: a. All efforts will be made to prevent a bed bug infestation in the school by keeping the facility clean and uncluttered and by storing material items in plastic containers.
   • Bed Bugs are not associated with uncleanliness, but a clean facility makes it easier to detect bed bugs before an infestation gets established.
   • Periodic proactive inspections of upholstered furniture, wall mounts (pictures, clocks, signs, mirrors, etc.) and storage areas will be performed.