Field trip blues

[Rhonda]

(this was my post I forgot to post yesterday)

Harmoni : You got it, I think you are right my parents are spoiled I pass most of the expense of field trips to my families. But yes, some months parents will owe $30 - 40 just for our programming and field trips costs. My families never complain. But then I have always felt bad and not charged for a field trip here or there or split some in half because it was so expensive. I've been trying to cut back on the things I supply for daycare, like I used to buy a big Costco box of diaper wipes about every other month to help my families, I stopped that last year. It made me realize how much my parents counted on me to supply it. Even now I ask for 1 package of diaper wipes every time they bring in diapers, do they no. Now that I am not helping out, I'm always running out and feel like I have to beg the families.

My daycare kids are just as happy going to a park as a field trip. I find the field trips are a waste of money and time with the younger group because all they want to do is get to the park of the trip where they can play and be a kid. They don't care for the museums or zoos.

sunnydays, part of my programming is also weekly yoga (but I use videos because yoga instructors are too expensive) and in the winter I have music instructor coming in every other week because outside time is reduced due to the cold. We also attend play group every week. I feel even with the reduced field trips, I have a decent program.

I am going to write up a formal field trip policy this evening. We did talk about field trips and I made it clear that I only go on field trips depending on ages and stages of the children. I do have a van and my daycare insurance covers field trips, BUT, I refuse to put an infant car seat in my van because I don't feel safe doing it (plus its a nuisance having to always borrow the car seat) and I will not go on a field trip with out an assistant, I don't feel it is safe.

I think daycare is always changing and because this group of families has been with me so long, they don't want the natural changes to occur, like my group is younger than it has been in a few years. Where new families wouldn't notice the difference.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I miss field trips! During the summer we went often as I had low numbers. Now I can only go out if I have 3 or less because I only have 3 car seats. I pay for the field trips and have never asked a parent for money to cover the cost. They are all good with field trips but also understand that I can only go out with 3 or less. I wouldn't say any of my parents expect field trips but I know they like that I do them.

Rhonda, I would suggest a formal letter to the parents explaining your reasons for stopping field trips. I don't know if you do this already but if you don't maybe you could replace field trips with themed days......like pj day, colour day, superhero day, princess day,spa day, crazy hair day etc. Even once a month, I'm sure the kids would love it!