Child Care Health Program

Children, staff, everyone likes the excitement and the adventure of a field trip especially when the weather turns warm. A little advanced planning can help make your trip a successful occasion that the children will remember with pleasure. Here are some suggestions for developing your safety plan:

FIELD TRIP SAFETY CHECK LIST

Call ahead or visit the park or facility if you are unfamiliar with the area or the services available (water, bathrooms, food, fees, etc.).
Establish a safe and direct route to and from your destination.
Maintain adult to child ratios needed to insure the safety and well being of the children. Add extra staff if safety is a special concern (crowded area, limited visibility, etc.).
Post trip information by the telephone in the office area or other pre-established location. Include route, destination, departure and return times, a list of the children and adults involved, field trip permission slips, and a cell phone number if available.
Carry a first aid kit, health consent forms and emergency information for each child with you. Also include "as needed" medications for children with special health needs and directions for its use for that child. Use of sunscreen requires parental permission. At least one staff member must have a current first aid and CPR certificate.
Plan to keep food/lunches cold and safe. Make arrangements for handwashing if running water is not available.
Plan for frequent rest and water breaks between activities.

For more information about field trip safety, sunscreen use or other health related topics please consult the public health nurse for your area at (206) 296-2770.

PERSONAL SAFETY CHECK LIST FOR CHILDREN

Provide tags for each child with the name and phone number of your child care facility. If you do use individual names on the tag, use first name only.
Make sure the adults are all familiar to each child.
Establish a buddy system. Children with special needs may need to have an adult buddy.
With parental permission, apply sunscreen (follow container directions) to each child as necessary.
When you arrive at your destination, point out key landmarks and identify a "lost child" area.
Teach children the steps to take if they get separated from the group:
1. Remain in the area where they last saw the group or go to the "lost child" area.
2. If possible, ask for help in an open visible place from someone in charge (ticket taker, clerk, etc,).
3. NEVER leave the area with an unidentified person.
4. Reassure the children that if they do become separated from the group, you will be looking for them. Count the group out loud so the children know you will know if someone is missing.
If you are using private cars, make sure there is a booster seat or seat belt available for each child and that the car is insured for transporting children. Each adult must have passed the Washington State background check.
If you are walking, review safety rules (safe street crossing, staying together, etc.).
If you are going by van or bus review those safety rules.