[teacher heart]

I have a question about parents coming on field trips. My policy has been to ask for volunteer drivers/supervisors and then choose only as many as are needed to transport the children - which generally makes each field trip group 3 or 4 students per adult. I alternate the parents I choose so each parent get a turn on a field trip throughout the year.

I do this because I have found in the past that when too many parents come, they huddle together visiting and not supervising, or if they are there with their own child only, they stand at the front of the demonstration blocking other children (who's parents could not be there) from seeing anything.

Anyway, for the most part this system has worked well. However, it seems that I have one parent every year that says they have to come on every field trip because they don't trust any other parent to drive their child. I wouldn't mind accommodating them if they are that insecure, but its not fair to the others. I have tried to say that kindergarten is a learning experience for moms too and they need to let their child experience things independently, but some moms don't seem to be ready for that.

Has anyone else had this problem? How do you handle parents on field trips?

Sorry this is so long but I have been very frustrated about this. TIA for the advice!

[luv2chat]

I wish I had this problem! Most of my parents don't own vehicles so if we go on a field trip that needs drivers I end up driving, along with any other school staff I can rope into it (principal, EA's, cultural teachers, etc.). I can usually get a few parents to come on the trips but only if they don't have to drive. We have had to cancel field trips because we don't have enough parent volunteers! That is so frustrating and disappointing for the kids.

I can understand some parents are nervous about allowing their 5 year old to drive with a parent they don't know. I would try to accommodate if possible. Maybe try to find out which other parents this parent is acquainted with and maybe they would feel more comfortable with their child going with someone they know. If they absolutely insist that they have to drive their own child you could always have them drive their child, drop them off and pick them up at a prearranged time if you really can't have that many adults with you. Hopefully you don't have too many parents that have this hang up about letting others drive their kids.

We are now discouraged from doing driving field trips and encouraged to use a school bus. They just changed our regulations for booster seats so every child would have to be in a booster seat which can make it challenging!

[Mud Pie]

We walk or take the bus. Parents are allowed to follow in cars if it is appropriate for the particular field trip.

[KenzLuv2Teach]

I've always had this problem with parents as well. Since it was a problem, I figured something out about it. Now, each time we go on a field trip we ride a bus. We announce that there is only room on the bus for X amount of people. I also announce that parking is limited and expensive so parents probably do not want to drive a car. We send home a permission letter and its usually the first 5 people who return it that will be able to go. We split up into the five groups at the place, not on the bus. But we do almost everything together, so parents aren't worried about other parent have their child. Read the letter I have attached that is sent home to my parents.

[senior42]

we would not be allowed to do this for insurance purposes but why don't you take the child in your car in your group. Surely mom trusts you.

[grtlaks]

Every year I send a Chaperone Letter out to all of my parents. I outline my procedures so there are no surprises later in the year. Field trips are usually first responses get to chaperone first. I do encourage those that want to chaperone, to get their papers back fast. In my letter I state that no-one is to just show up at a field trip. When a child is assigned a chaperone and that child's parent shows up, it compromises that chaperone's authority. Since the chaperones are in charge and are responsible for the safety of all the children in their care, it becomes a safety issue. It really did become a safety issue for me. I had parents and grandparents showing up at field trips and trying to take the child with them, buying them things, and the other children were very jealous. The chaperones weren't sure where the kids were. Field trips are supposed to be an educational experience not a family outing!