How Do You Feel Your Child Is Safe on School Field Trips??

I would agree with the other posters that this is experience is not the norm. The volunteers usually only have about 3-5 kids to watch in their group, unless they don't have enough parent volunteers. And the parent volunteers all get to ride on the bus with the kids.

Not letting her go is extreme, and realistically are you going to do this every year for the rest of her school years? She's going to have MANY more field trips in the future. The kids are safe. They usually have them all wear a similar shirt or same color or something so they are all spotted easily (if not, dress your daughter in a bright shirt that day).
And another way to prevent what happened before from happening again -- tell your daughter to go to the restroom AT SCHOOL before they get on the bus. The teachers usually offer this up first and try to demand it so no kids will have to go to the restroom once they are at the destination.
I would do whatever it took to be a parent volunteer on the field trip, especially hearing the concerns you have about field trips. they usually need as much help as possible. I would take a taxi there if I had to. but I'm sure someone - a friend or relative - could give you a ride to the school. Once there, you just ride the school bus with the kids.
the only way you'll be able to calm your nerves about this is if you personally go to watch your child (and you'll be in charge of other kids, too). I know there's nothing anyone can say that will ease your mind about it, so I would do everything possible to just go and be a volunteer parent on the trip. It sounds like this is a really big issue for you.

UPDATE: check with your teacher, but I know in my school district all volunteer parents that pass the background check (which you need to do in advance of going on the trip or any volunteer opportunity) can and should ride the school bus with the kids .... the parents are supposed to help keep order on the bus as well - remind the kids to sit backs to back, not stand, etc. So as long as you go through that background check -- you should be able to ride the bus with the kids. But I know you will probably not be able to take the younger ones with you -- this is a trip for the class. So you would need to find a sitter for the younger siblings.

I'm sorry. We have been on numerous field trips....just wait til it is overnights!!

You have to trust that you taught your daughter well. It is hard to let go, even just a little bit, but we have to.

The children love these trips and it would be a shame for her to miss it and more....due to your anxiety. Things go smoothly the majority of the time.

I have been as a volunteer as well as teacher, I know how we keep up with our groups. I would find a way to volunteer....get to the school....meet the other parents who do go on these trips. This will help you know who your daughter is around.

Now for things to make you feel better for if you can't go.

Talk to the teacher about the field trip and your concerns.
Call the arboretum and ask about the facility and conditions in May and such. Maybe check it out in advance.
Send your daughter off with the appropriate supplies, money, and/or lunch for the day, and let her go and have fun.
Pray about it and I promise it does get better.
and they really are all together as one big group or smaller groups, and remember, what happened is not the norm. when they do go as one big group, the whole group has bathroom time together, like at school.

Do you have a cellphone and does she know how to dial you? give it to her for the day on buzz/mute and have her check in if you really need to.
While I don't have my middle schooler check in, I still send my cell with him on field trips.

duh, I didn't think of a taxi for hubby.
Her, our public school district, not private daycare school, do not allow parents on the buses.
I also didn't think about a babysitter and then you could carpool.

...Update...email her teacher and ask about that and also what they do for hot weather? I am sure her teacher is used to questions from parents. I am the Queen of questions if I don't know something!

If it was going to be sunny or if they were going to need "things", a letter should have been sent home telling you what they should bring, wear, or what you should do.

...Ride...the only thing I can come up with, with carseats and such, if your hubby can't share a ride, maybe he could rent or borrow a car for the day, if possible, or use dart if it goes his way.

Sorry that happened to your little one.
your daughter did do the right thing.
Kudos to you and your dd!

Hello! If the car is the only setback for that day, I would ask someone to take you up to her school or the location of the trip! How much fun would that be??? You could make sure she was safe and covered w/SPF and have a great day w/your child! Hopefully this far in advance someone could help you out!!

I totally understand your dilemma. I have been on 1 field trip with my preschool to the Heard Museum. THey were plenty of teachers on the trip and numerous parent volunteers for all these 5 yr olds... Even with all this help, it got a little hectic.
Is there another mom friend you can ask for help watching your kids. Is there a moms group you belong to, to maybe help you out.
Carpooling for your dh was a great suggestion.
I am so Happpy your little girl recognized someone in the group. I would hate to think of the alternative if she hadn't. I'm sure you don't want to go there either.
Try, TRy TRy to be part of that trip.
Send me a private message with where you live, maybe i can help you out.

I would volunteer to be a parent chaperone. If they are taking the entire class they usually have a few parents to help. Volunteer for that and you'd be on the bus. Not letting her go is extreme since she used GREAT judgement during the previous trip. She proved that she is responsible and used her head and didn't panic.

I'd say volunteer so you are on the bus and with the class during the trip, although give her enough space so she doesn't feel like she is being watched. If they won't let you ride the bus then it seems like this is early enough to maybe have your husband arrange for a day off so you can use the car.

Good luck!