Notify the parents or guardians of the details of the field trip including the location, activities, date, time of day and duration, and any special provisions needed (e.g., swimming suit, sunscreen, etc.).

Obtain a signed permission slip from each participant for every field trip. Doing this through the registration process is flirting with danger because children's circumstances and conditions change. The staff member in charge should have copies of the permission slips with him/her on the field trip.

Require notification of a child's special needs or restrictions, e.g., regular or special occurrence medication needs, allergies, food or medication reactions, restricted or prohibited activities, etc.

Designate multiple staff members who are trained and skilled in administering medications, e.g., insulin and Epi-pens. They should control and administer for all medication and should stay close to those children who are at risk because in an emergency seconds can matter.

Discuss appropriate behavior with the children several times before the actual field trip. Be clear about physical and behavioral boundaries and the consequences of disregarding them. Enlist their anticipation and enthusiasm in preparing them for a fun and safe adventure.

Visit the location just before the event. Become familiar with the layout, the restroom facilities, and any potential dangers. If a water-park is the destination, carefully evaluate the lifeguarding.

Provide distinctive identification for your kids...bright tee shirts, caps, prominent name badges, etc.

Remember that excited kids in an unfamiliar environment are harder to control than those in their normal day-to-day surroundings. Increase vigilance and staff-to-child ratios to a level appropriate for the activity and location. Public restrooms and water demand increased levels of supervision.

Count faces not just heads. Regularly determine that you have the right children, not just the right number of children.