Preschool Field Trips?

Question

My five year old son who is in preschool has a field trip coming up. On these field trips the moms/family drive the kids to the location of the field trip. Would you feel safe allowing someone you don't know to drive your child? The school asks if the drivers have insurance but I don't think they go as far to check the driving record for accidents. Another concern I have is my in-laws don't know how to properly install and lock our kids into their car seats. Although the people driving the kids for the field trip are usually the moms, would you trust someone to use the car seats properly ? Is preschool too young for field trips? I like to go to chaperone but have a three year old who's behavior is difficult, especially when he wants to be part of the group but isn't allowed. What would you do? I don't have a babysitter.

Answer 1

Yes they have parents come along on every trip usually. I'm sure all the soccer moms are coming and they're sure to do a great job.

Answer 2

The only  people I allow to drive my young children anywhere are my husband and their grandparents, and even the grandparents make me nervous, but that's because I've witnessed grandpa's driving first hand!

Couldn't you get your mother in law to watch the younger child for you while you attend the field trip with the older child?

Answer 3

As a teacher I have participated in many pre-k field trips without any mishaps. I would encourage you to discuss your fears with the teacher. When my class goes on a field trip my assistant teacher, director, or I personally put in the car seats and inspect each car before we go to ensure each child is properly buckled. The parents going also tend to take their job seriously and drive extra carefully and do a wonderful job supervising the children. The children also tend to be on their best behavior. They realize they are not at school and do not want to get lost. In seven years of teaching I have only had 2 children misbehave on a field trip and they were ones who were completely out of control normally. When that happened the chaperons were great at watching the other kids so I could deal with the problems. Many of the parents going have the same fears you do and will do everything in their power to keep the kids safe. Relax and know your child is in good hands :)

Answer 4

You should teach your in-laws how to properly use the car seat.  It's not rocket science and you may need them to take your kids in an emergency.

As for the field trip, what is the ratio of chaperones to children?  At age 5, i would hope there are no more than 4 children assigned to each adult.

If you're that concerned about it, drive your son yourself, hang out with your 3 yr old til the end of the field trip, then drive your son back with you.

Answer 5

I do family child care and take the children on fieldtrips.  Yes you can usually trust the ones that volunteer to drive.  If it is a huge concern...can he go with the vehicle with the teacher.  

If buckling the carseat correctly is the problem...teach the in-laws.  Your child is five...do you have a booster seat that he can use?  That is just a seat belt across and no concern for how the seat is buckled in.

Do you know any of the parents volunteering?  You can also have the teachers situate the car seat... talk to the teachers!  They'll make sure he's safe!

A lot of learning can take place with a field trip.  I take my youngest child care child with me and I've had her since she was a month old.  No, preschool isn't too young for field trips.  :-)  You're just reacting like a mom who hasn't had your child out and about with other people too much!  (And there is nothing wrong with that!  I like to see parents concerned!)