HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2992ORDINANCE NO. 2992
AN ORDINANCE READOPTING SECTION 62-10 OF THE NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF ORDINANCE AND READOPTING THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS
OF CARE, FOLLOWING A PUBLIC HEARING.
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Code; Section 42.041(b)(14), establishes
requirements for exempting recreational programs operated by
municipalities for elementary age (5-13) children from childcare licensing
requirements; and
WHEREAS, in order to receive exempt status for a youth recreation program, a
municipality must adopt standards of care by ordinance after a public
hearing for the program and a copy of the ordinance adopting the
standards to the State; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards of Care will
provide basic child care regulations for day camp activities operated by
the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department in accordance
with Section 42.041(b)(14) of the Human Resources Code; NOW
THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND
HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That Sec. 62-10 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances is hereby
readopted as follows:
"SEC.62-10 YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE
The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills hereby adopts the City of
North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards of Care for providing basic child
care regulations for day camp activities operated by the North Richland Hills
Parks and Recreation Department. As required by Section 42.041(b)(14) of the
Human Resources Code, the Standards adopted by this ordinance include
staffing ratios; minimum staff qualifications; minimum facility, health, and safety
standards; and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local
standards. A substantial copy of the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs
Standards of Care is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all intents and
purposes and shall be available on the City's website under the Parks and
Recreation subhead."
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effective immediately upon
passage.
Ordinance No. 2992
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City of North Richland Hills
Parks and Recreation Department
Youth Programs Standards of Care
GENERAL INFORMATION /ADMINISTRATION
Purpose: To provide basic childcare regulations for activities operated by the
North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department. This will allow the
department to qualify as exempt from requirements of the Texas Human
Resources Code.
A. Organization:
1. The governing body of the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs
is the City of North Richland Hills City Council.
2. Implementation of the Youth Programs Standards of Care is the
responsibility of the Assistant Director of Recreation and Recreation
Division Staff.
3. The Youfh Programs Standards of Care will apply to several day camp
programs which are conducted by the North Richland Hills Parks and
Recreation Department throughout the year.
4. Each Youth Program site will have available for public and staff a current
copy of the Standards of Care.
5. Parents of participants will be provided a current copy of the Standards
of Care during the registration process.
B. Implementation: The Standards of Care Program will be the responsibility of
the Parks and Recreation Department, with the Youth Program Coordinator
overseeing the overall program and the Day Camp Director administering the
program on-site.
Programs: Regulations apply to three (3) on-going programs:
Spring Break Camp
Summer Day Camp
Sport and Art Camps
Other: Each camp will make available for public and staff a current
copy of the Standards of Care. Parents of participants will
be provided a copy of Standards of Care during the
registration process and the Camp NRH parent orientation
prior to camp starting each year.
Program Sites: NRH Recreation Center, 6720 N.E. Loop 820
C. Day Camp Objectives:
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1. To provide youth with the opportunity to experience a variety of
recreational activities which include sports, games, arts and crafts,
education, drama, special events, field trips, tournaments, etc.
2. To provide an encouraging atmosphere emphasizing positive
development of physical skills, emotional growth and self-confidence.
3. To provide a safe environment; always promoting good health and
welfare for all.
4. To teach children how to spend their leisure time wisely; in an effort to
meet the emotional, physical, and social needs of the child.
D. Exemption Status:
Once an exempt status is established, the Licensing Division will not monitor
the recreational program. The Licensing Division will be responsible for
investigating complaints of unlicensed child care and for referring other
complaints to the municipal authorities or, in the case of abuse/neglect
allegation, to the local police authorities.
E. Standards of Care Review:
Standards will be reviewed annually and brought to the City Council for
approval after a public hearing is held to pass an ordinance regarding section
42.041(b)(14) of the Texas Human Resources Code. Childcare Licensing will
not regulate these programs nor be involved in any complaint investigation
related to the program.
Any parent, visitor or staff may register a complaint by contacting the North
Richland Hills Recreation Center Manager at 817-427-6600 or the Parks and
Recreation Administrative Offices at 817-427-6620, Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
II. STAFFING
A. Day Camp Director -The Day Camp Director directs a staff of 10 day camp
counselors and supervises the activities of children in a day camp setting.
1. Essential Job Functions:
a.) Direct and supervise all counselors including hiring and training.
b.) Complete and submit proper records including camp schedules,
counselor work schedules, payroll, accident/incident reports and
attendance.
c.) Develop age appropriate camp curriculum (6-12 years) in
accordance with the philosophy of the program.
d.) Ensure staff is committed to following established guidelines,
procedures and standards.
e.) Maintain an orderly, clean and safe environment for the children
while promoting a non-competitive program directed toward
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accentuating positive behaviors, physical development and
emotional growth.
f.) Develop and distribute a weekly schedule of activities.
g.) Complete facility reservations and transportation needs for all camp
activities.
h.) Schedule, confirm, obtain and distribute payment for all field trips.
i.) Maintain supplies, equipment and all necessary documentation for
the operation of the camp.
j.) Communicate to parents about camper's progress and activities.
k.) Conduct on-going program evaluations implementing approved
recommendations as needed.
I.) Provide reports to the Youth Program Coordinator on a weekly
basis to monitor camp activities throughout the program.
2. Qualifications:
a.) Bachelor's Degree in Education or Recreation is preferred but not
required.
b.) A minimum of three years experience as a camp counselor and/or
educator.
c.) Requires a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record
over the last three years.
d.) Must pass city criminal background check prior to hiring.
e.) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f.) Must complete First Aid and CPR certification prior to camp.
3. Requirements of Work:
a.) Director must complete the mandatory staff training program of at
least 20 hours, in addition to planning hours with site staff prior to
the start of camp. This training includes departmental orientation,
customer service, sexual harassment training, behavioral issues
and discipline, training and examination program on sexual abuse
and child molestation, as well as practical skills on activities for
children in games, songs and crafts.
b.) Ability to be physically active and involved with children all day.
c.) Ability to lift 55 pounds.
d.) Knowledge of child development and age appropriate activities.
e.) Advanced organizational and communication skills.
f.) Team leadership abilities.
g.) Varied experience in a variety of activities including sports, arts,
nature, drama and cooperative activities.
B. Day Camp Counselor -The Day Camp Counselor is responsible for direct
leadership of youth ages 6-12 in a variety of activities including, but not
limited to games, sports, crafts, special events and field trips. The counselor
assists in planning and organization of camp schedules, activities, supplies
and equipment, and is also responsible for cleanliness of the areas used by
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camp participants. The counselor positions are also responsible for
completing necessary forms relating to attendance, check-in/check-out
procedures, accidents, and incidents.
Essential Job Functions:
a.) Promote a non-competitive, positive, self-image enhancing
environment for each participant through the direction of non-
competitive, fun, varied and well organized activities.
b.) Directly lead activities using a method that will provide opportunity
for the involvement of all children on an equal level. The Counselor
prepares, in advance, directions for activities, daily schedules and
required equipment used during the activities.
c.) Exhibit enthusiasm for the activity to impart a feeling of excitement
to camp participants.
d.) Follow procedures for camper check-in/check-out. Report
accidents/incidents, behavioral modifications and camp schedules.
e.) Follow guidelines for safety and storage of equipment, including
inventory of supplies.
f.) Ensure safety of youth during transportation while on field trips.
g.) Provide and adhere to established guidelines set forth for the
safety, behavior, communication and discipline of the camp
participants.
h.) Recognize and reward positive, improved and outstanding behavior
and/or accomplishments of camp participants.
2. Minimum Qualifications:
a.) High school diploma with two years of college preferred.
b.) One year experience working with children in a day camp setting.
c.) A valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record over the
last three years.
d.) Must pass criminal background check prior to hiring.
e.) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f.) Must complete First Aid and CPR certification prior to camp.
3. Other Requirements:
a.) Staff must complete the mandatory staff training program of at least
20 hours, in addition to planning hours with site staff prior to the
start of camp. This training includes departmental orientation,
customer service, sexual harassment training, behavioral issues
and discipline, training and examination program on sexual abuse
and child molestation, as well as practical skills on activities for
children in games, songs and crafts.
b.) Staff must exhibit competency, good judgment and self control
throughout the duration of the camp.
c.) Staff should relate to the children with courtesy, respect,
acceptance and patience.
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d.) Staff will be evaluated at least once during the summer prior to the
completion of camp. Evaluations will be reviewed with the camp
counselors to discuss any areas of improvement or suggestions.
4. Criminal Background Checks: Criminal background checks will be
conducted on prospective day camp employees. Applicants may be
disqualified if they have a job related criminal conviction. A prospective
employee will be subject to apre-employment drug test and/or physical
prior to hiring.
5. Staffing Ratios: The state required ratio for number of children (ages 5-
13) may not exceed 15:1 children to staff. Camp NRH Day Camp
maintains 12:1 children (ages 6-12) to staff ratio. On all field trips Camp
NRH Day Camp maintains 6:1 children to staff ratio.
III. FACILITY STANDARDS
A. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility.
Program employees will inspect sites frequently for any sanitation or safety
concerns. Those concerns should be passed on to the Program Coordinator
or Recreation Center Manager immediately.
B. Each camp must have a fully stocked first aid kit. This shall be checked and
stocked on a weekly basis by the Program Coordinator. It shall include
bandages and Band-Aids, first aid cream, rubber gloves, Neosporin, alcohol
wipes, hot/cold packs, gauze, syrup of Ipecac, tweezers and scissors.
C. In a situation where evacuation is necessary, the first priority of staff is to
make sure all participants are in a safe location. Program sites will be
inspected by the Fire Marshall annually. Each Facility Manager is responsible
for compliance with Fire Marshall's directives. The recommended number of
fire extinguishers shall be inspected quarterly and available and "primed" for
use. Fire drills should be conducted once a month during the summer camp.
D. Medication will only be administered with written parent consent completed on
the registration form provided by the City of North Richland Hills. Prescription
medications shall be left with staff in their original container, labeled with the
child's name, date, directions, Polaroid photo of the child and the child's
physician's name. Medication shall be dispensed only as stated on the bottle,
and not past the expiration date.
E. Non-prescription medicine with the child's name and date on the medication
may be brought if in the original container.
F. Each indoor site shall have adequate indoor toilets and lavatories located
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such that children can use them independently and program staff can
supervise as needed. There shall be one flush toilet per 30 children. Outdoor
sites shall provide portable toilets based on number of children attending
each day. Sinks shall be provided based on 1 sink per 30 children.
G. All participants must wear tennis shoes daily. Sandals will not be allowed.
IV. SERVICE STANDARDS-Day Camp Staff
A. This information will be provided to each staff member as a part of the day
camp staff manual:
1. Appropriate shirts, shorts and tennis shoes are to be worn at all times.
Camp NRH staff shirts are to be worn on the designated days. Staff
shirts should always be tucked in. No tube tops allowed. Shorts should
be at a respectable length, no cut-offs. No clothing should bear any
inappropriate logos, phrases, or pictures. Any staff member, who does
not adhere to the dress code, will be sent home for the day without pay.
2. Staff will be provided with two collared shirts and two Camp NRH T-
shirts. Uniform schedules will be given to staff during training and should
be followed throughout the summer. Any deviation must be approved by
the Youth Program Coordinator.
3. Only one-piece bathing suits may be worn when visiting NRH2O.
4. Name tags/IDs should be worn and clearly visible at all times.
5. Camp participants and parents will be treated with respect at all times.
6. Camp staff will take it upon themselves to resolve complaints. Do not
refer the customer to another staff member, unless necessary. If you
are unable to resolve the complaint on the spot, take the customer's
name and phone number, investigate the complaint and follow up with
the customer. All complaints should be recorded (problem and
resolution) on a Customer Comment Form provided by the Youth
Program Coordinator.
7. Camp staff will keep parents informed of camp activities. A weekly
schedule will be distributed one week in advance and extra copies will
be kept with the daily sign in log. Camp staff will note details of behavior
of campers (accomplishments, discipline problems, general activities,
etc.) in the daily campers log and verbally update parents as much as
possible.
8. Camp staff will monitor the check-in/check-out log at all times.
9. Camp staff will clean program areas after each activity. Floors will be
swept/vacuumed, mirrors cleaned, and supplies put away. This is
extremely important due to the fact that rooms are used throughout the
day by other groups.
10. Camp staff will spend the majority of their time actively involved with
campers and/or parents. Camp staff will check all messages for the day,
prior to beginning any camp activities.
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VI. OPERATIONAL ISSUES
A. Emergency phone numbers are kept at the Recreation Center front desk, as
well as with the Day Camp Director on field trips. Those numbers include fire,
police, and ambulance services.
B. The Day Camp Manual is provided to every staff member and outlines the
following:
1. Behavior Management and Discipline Procedures
2. Rules and Regulations
3. Forms
4. Service Standards
5. Game/Activity Leadership
6. Guidelines for Communication with children and parents
C. Check-in/check-out forms will be used every day. Only adults listed on the
camper's release form will be allowed to pick up children. The authorized
parent/guardian must enter the building and sign the check-out form in order
for staff to release the child.
D. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility.
E. Parents will be notified regarding planned field trips and provided the required
release forms.
F. Enrollment information will be kept and maintained on each vehicle while
traveling to and from field trip sites.
G. Enrollment information will be kept and maintained on each child and shall
include:
1. Child's name, birth date, home address, home telephone number,
physician's phone number and address and phone numbers where
parents may be reached during the day.
2. Name, driver's license number and telephone number of persons to
whom the child can be released.
3. Field trip release form as needed.
4. Liability waiver.
5. Parental consent to administer medication, medical information and
release on participant.
H. Staff shall immediately notify the parent or other person authorized by the
parent when the child is injured or has been involved in any situation which
placed the child at risk.
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I. The Youth Program Coordinator shall notify the parents/guardians of
participants if/when there is an outbreak of a communicable disease in the
facility as required by the County Department of Health. Staff must notify
parents of children in a group when there is an outbreak of lice or other
infestation in the group.
VII. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
A. Program employees will implement discipline and guidance in a consistent
manner based on an understanding of individual needs and development with
the best interests of program participants in mind.
B. There will be no harsh, cruel, or corporal punishment used as a method of
discipline.
C. Program employees may use brief, supervised separation from the group if
necessary. Children will be aware of all camp rules prior to the start of any
activity. Their understanding of the rules is an integral part of behavior
management. When negative behavior occurs they will know there is a
consequence for their chosen action.
D. Incident reports will be filled out on any disciplinary cases, and information is
to be shared with parents when picking up the child (or sooner when extreme
cases occur). Parents will be asked to sign the incident reports to indicate
they have been advised about specific problems and/or negative behaviors.
F. A sufficient number and/or severe nature of discipline reports as detailed in
the program manual may result in a participant being suspended from the
program. Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up their child
immediately.
G. In instances where there is danger including physical harm or threat of
physical harm to participants, staff, or themselves; the offending participant(s)
will be removed from the program immediately. Parents/guardians will be
contacted to pick up their child immediately.
VIII. ILLNESS OR INJURY
A. Participants shall have and maintain immunizations in accordance with those
required by the Texas Department of Health for public school attendance
according to age.
B. Parents shall be notified in cases of illness or injury.
C. An ill child will not be allowed to participate if the child is suspected of having
Ordinance No. 2992
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a temperature and/or accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or
symptoms until a medical evaluation indicates that the child can be included
in the activities. In the event an injury cannot be remedied through basic first
aid, staff shall notify paramedics.
D. When an injury occurs, an incident report shall be filled out immediately after
the incident, with the original sent to the Recreation Center Manager's office
with a copy kept in the Day Camp files.
E. In the event of suspected abuse, program employees will report suspected
abuse or neglect in accordance with the Texas Family Code. In the case
where a City employee is involved in an incident with a child that could be
construed as child abuse, the incident must be immediately reported to the
Assistant Director of Recreation. The Assistant Director will immediately
notify the Police Department and any other agency as may be appropriate.
F. Texas state law requires the staff of youth programs to report any suspected
abuse or neglect of a child to the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services or a law enforcement agency. Failure to report suspected abuse is
punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or confinement up to 180 days.
Confidential reports may be made by calling 1-800-252-5400.
IX. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN
A. As a part of the Day Camp Manual, staff should be given the following
information:
1. A child is not allowed to use the phone unless it is an emergency. In this
case, Day Camp staff should make the call for the child.
2. Children must stay off tables, counter tops, ping pong tables, etc.
3. Children should walk in the building. Running is only permitted in the
gym.
4. Bouncing and throwing balls is permitted only in the gym or designated
game area with direct supervision from staff.
5. Active games using equipment that can cause damage to window,
shades, lights, and ceilings must be played only in the gym or outdoors.
6. Children must respect staff and each other.
7. Children must wear shoes at all times.
8. Children must be contained and not allowed to filter in the general
public. You must know where each child is at all times.
B. The program will provide activities for each group according to the
participants' ages, interests and abilities. The activities should be flexible and
promote social and educational advancement.
1. A weekly calendar of activities will be posted for parents the Friday prior
to the next week of camp.
2. When taking field trips, staff will:
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a.) Count everyone before they leave the program site as well as prior
to leaving the field trip site.
b.) Carry medical information on each child and necessary medication
with them on the trip.
c.) Carry a first aid kit and mobile phone in all vehicles and while on-
site.
d.) Encourage participants to wear camp shirts so that children are
easily identified.
X. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT
A. Standards of Care established by the City of North Richland Hills will be
monitored and enforced by City Departments responsible for their
respective areas. Health and safety standards will be monitored and
enforced by the City's Police, Fire, and Consumer Health Departments
when applicable.
B. Staff and program issues will be monitored and enforced by the North
Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation Center
Manager shall visit each site on a bi-weekly basis. The Youth Program
Coordinator is responsible for visually checking the camp activities on a
daily basis. When not available, another full-time staff person is responsible
for that check.
C. Monthly reporting by the Youth Program Coordinator to the Recreation
Center Manager will include a review of adherence to the Standards of Care
as well as operational summaries of the programming month.
For further information regarding the Youth Program Standards of
Care or any other information about the youth programs offered
through the City of North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation
Department please contact the Recreation Center Manager or Youth
Program Coordinator at 817-427-6600 or email
NRHPARD(a~nrhtx.com.
Ordinance No. 2992
Page 12 of 12
PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 24th day of April, 2008.
z
~o~1CH'~"wuWiy,~~y CITY ORTH CHLA HILLS
rRn•• ~.q••N ~~,
~y Oscar Trevino, Mayor
AT~ T: ~
~n ~ • ~~Y A
utson, City Secretary
AP AS TO RM AND LEGALITY:
Geor e A. tapl s, City Attorney
APPROVEg~AS TO CONTENT:
r ~
Vickie Loftic , Director of Parks and Recreation
Ordinance No. 2992
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