Field Trip Policy and Procedure

The Discovery Program obtains permission for field trips at the time of enrollment; however, parents will be notified of upcoming field trips. If any further permission slips are needed Discovery will see to it that these are obtained. Information containing destination address, phone numbers, transportation times and needs for field trip will be posted on the Parent Information Board for all parents/ guardians to be thoroughly informed of where we are going. Discovery takes great pride in taking safety precautions seriously, and in doing so increases the number of adults to child ratio while on field trips.
Field trips expand children's learning through hands-on experiences with the rich resources of the local community. Field trips increase children's knowledge and understanding and add realism to the topics they are learning about. The local library or a nature walk in your neighborhood are great field trips and create a change of scenery for the children.
POLICY
The Discovery School Based Childcare Program will implement a policy to ensure good practices in planning for field trips. Good planning is a must for field trips especially when transporting children is required, a little advanced planning can help make your trip a successful occasion that the children will remember and alleviate potential stressful situations for staff. Field trips are very task-intensive but they provide an opportunity for children to learn hands on and for staff to guide them while taking the necessary precautions so that everyone is safe, happy and taking the full benefit of the field trip experience. Teachers Count the Children After Each Transition.

A COPY OF THE FULL POLICY IS AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE DISCOVERY POLICY MANUAL IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THIS TOPIC FURTHER.

TRANSPORTING CHILDREN POLICY

 

Purpose
The Discovery School Based Child Care Program does not support staff transporting children from the program in their personal vehicles during working hours. 
To support children's and staff's safety and well-being while entrusting the viability of the organization as per insurance requirements lay out.
Policy
1. Staffs are not permitted to transport children in their personal vehicles during working hours.
2. If such a request is made by a colleague, personal friend or parent the following will apply;
a. Transporting a child can only be done during the staff's non-working hours.
b. Both the child's parent/guardian and employee must sign a 'Transporting Children Release Form'.
c. The form is subject to approval by the Executive Director.
d. Upon approval and not before, the agreement made between the parent/guardian and employee may commence.
e. By signing this document both parties understand that the Discovery Program is not legally responsible for any accidents that may arise.