There's no question that field trips enhance learning for students, but safety should be a priority. Come up with a safety plan before you go on the trip, and make sure everyone knows the rules. The Hawaii Education website recommends enlisting the children to come up with some of their own safety rules to start them thinking about issues of concern.
Advanced Scouting
Before going on the actual field trip, teachers and other leaders should check the destination to make sure the area is safe and appropriate for the age of children they plan to take. Inquire about hazards such as large bodies of water, chemicals, animals on the loose, stairs and traffic in the area. If you're taking very young children, look for choking hazards and other sections that aren't childproof.
Permission Slips
All children should have permission slips signed by a parent or guardian. Include all the information about the trip, such as the date, location, address, transportation, departure time and arrival time. Have emergency contact information on hand with the parent's name and how she can be contacted.
Staffing
During the field trip, you should have the proper adult-child ratio from the moment you leave until you arrive back at the school. The adults can be teachers, administrators, parents and other approved adults. Assign each adult a group of children so everyone is accounted for at all times.
Identification
Have some method of identifying all the children in the group. This can be class T-shirts, all the children wearing the same color of vest or issuing arm bands to everyone before the trip. Instruct the children to leave the article on from when you leave the school until you return.
Travel
When you travel in any vehicle, follow the law on child restraints. For small children, you may need a car seat for every child. Other children may need a booster seat or just a seat belt. Never buckle two or more children in one seatbelt because that can cause a serious injury.
Cleanliness and First Aid
Always take a first aid kit and method of cleaning children's hands when you go on a field trip. The first aid kit should include emergency numbers, disposable gloves, bandages, gauze, tape, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, plastic bags, paper, pen, tweezers and small scissors. Also bring disinfectant lotions or gels in case there isn't a place for the children to wash their hands after handling animals or before eating. If you'll be outdoors, ask the children to bring sunscreen. Have bottled water on hand for rinsing or drinking.
Buddy System
Pair the children off with a buddy for an extra degree of accountability. Instruct them to stay with their buddies throughout the entire trip and to let an adult supervisor know if the buddy wanders off or gets hurt.
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