Fieldtrip Chaperone Training for Schools

The duties and responsibilities of a chaperone are vital to the success and safety of any fieldtrip.

The chaperone’s primary responsibility is to help ensure the safety of students.

The SOS ThreeSixty Chaperone Training Program is a comprehensive safety training module to prepare chaperones to manage a variety of challenges that may arise on local, overnight, and international trips.

The focus is on avoiding problems through careful planning and proactive management.

Your school’s chaperones will be much better prepared for all trips and will be safety leaders – equipped to protect children from external threats while ensure sound internal abuse prevention practices.

A review of – and suggested enhancements to – your school’s chaperone manual is also included.

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Objectives & Content

Key Content

Deliver a comprehensive safety training module to prepare chaperones in managing a variety of challenges that may arise on local fieldtrips.
Train chaperones leading local, national, and regional overnight trips on Best Practices in trip preparation and to manage and prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Conduct training for chaperones specifically overseeing international trips to discuss planning for – and avoiding – challenges (including missing student protocols, dealing with foreign officials such as law enforcement, managing perceived or actual danger).
All trainings will be interactive, will review real-world case studies and provide an opportunity for open discussion and sharing of experiences.

Quick Facts

The total program is three hours, with the first two hours devoted to domestic trips (local and national) and the third hour for special international considerations.
Offered as an online group meeting or in-person at your school.
Participant driven questions are addressed.
All content tailored to your community.

The chaperone’s primary responsibility is to help ensure the safety of students.

Chaperone Training Course Modules

Chaperone Advance Preparation

Steps to take to ensure you are ready for the trip.

Important information & background (staff/student handbook, policies, and manuals) to have top-of-mind heading into a trip and “Bringing the Chaperone Manual to Life.”
Managing unforeseen circumstances, contingency plans, and activity logistics to minimize risks.
Cultural differences and strategies for encouraging the best behavior of students (and staff) during the trip.
Pre-trip meeting strategies for students & parents – and signing the “code of conduct.”

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Managing Common (and Uncommon) Issues During a Trip

Be prepared for the unexpected.

Transportation (planes, trains, buses, private cars, boats) and phobias.
Accommodations and other logistical issues.
Student consensual romantic relationships.
Disability access issues and student medication.
Communicating with students and families.

Crisis Planning

Act quickly and correctly in an emergency.

Missing student protocol.
Lost or stolen luggage.
Emergency at home & reaching the student.
Student detainment by local authorities.
Interacting with embassies and consulates (for all citizenships of students).
Incident protocols for trips (chain of command).

Chaperone Rules & Responsibilities

Be clear on the role of the chaperone.

Chaperone “on duty/off duty” vs. Chaperone “always on duty.”
How to best represent the school.
Social media policy while traveling.
Appropriate behavior/boundaries of chaperones.
Managing student free time.
Enforcing curfew and hotel room safety.
Handling hospitals/medical professionals if something happens.
Best practices for liaising with local vendors in-country.
Identifying risks on the fly (risky people or risky situations).
Communication between chaperones and with students using cell phones and other technologies.

The results :

A safe trip is the essential result.
Your school’s chaperones will be much better prepared for all trips and will be safety leaders.
Clearly defined policies and procedures based on global Best Practices.
A “Culture of Safety” that protects your entire school community – even when your students are away from school grounds.
Certification and tracking for insurance and legal requirements.

Good chaperones. Safe trip.

client comments

“We relied on SOS ThreeSixty to work with us on our first chaperone manual. Their breadth of experience and understanding of our school culture was incredibly helpful in finalizing a document that was practical, actionable and would protect our students and our school. SOS ThreeSixty also conducted a chaperone training for our teachers, who are now better prepared to address safety related incidents that may arise when they are off-campus with our students."

“Risk management and comprehensive HR policies are critical to protect the reputation and sustainability of all schools. Partnering with SOS ThreeSixty will help ensure that a culture of safety is always top-of-mind in your community to protect your students and staff.”

"I am thankful for the expertise I now have because of the work I did with SOS ThreeSixty, Inc. Their engaging trainings are an incredible asset for any school leader and they always offer real-world examples that provide that ah-ha moment."