Doesn't the school have to have someone available for school field trips?

[admin]

Here's a question from a CA mom.  Has anyone had to deal with this same issue?

My daughter is a 7th grader, was dig 10/20/2008. Her science class is going on a field trip the end of the month. There will be a 2 to 2-1/2 mile hike, then lunch, then they have a 1/4 mile hike to the bus. Usually I attend these type of trips with her, but I am having surgery and unable to go. The school is not being very helpful on making sure that she is going to be safe on this trip. They keep asking can't one of my family members go? All of the family that knows how to take care of Casie (which is not a lot anyway) work during the day. I question is: doesn't the school have to have someone available to help my daughter if she needs it? I thought that was in the 504 plan? I'm concerned because my daughter has a problem of going low fast, and sometimes she can not feel her lows until she is real low. I'm beginning to think I need to reschedule my surgery. I don't know what to do now, do you have any suggestions?

[nemitzc]

They can not exclude her from an event that the rest of the kids are going.  They like you to go so they don't have to find someone.  You need to insist.

[rradams]

My hubby had a thought - if there is a chaparone going, ask if you can spend some time with them.  Explain to them some of the symptoms and what to look for.  See if they can give her a buddy to walk with.  See if her best friend is going and if they can stay together.  Make sure that she can carry own bag of essentials so that she can snack as she walks.  

[RacerWife7]

I went with my son's class - the details of field trips are clearly documented in my son's IHP which the school has a copy of in their files.  I (or my husband) am to be present on all field trips.  If, for some reason, neither one of us can be there, a nurse will be available to accompany my son on his trip. 

Make sure, when you go over your child's health plan or 504 that things like this are documented so that, when the time comes, it's already figured out.