HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3245 ORDINANCE NO. 3245
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), established
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 recreational 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 forwarded 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
Parks and Recreation and other departments in accordance with Section
42.041(b)(14) of the Human Resources Code:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, 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 adopted the
City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards of Care for
providing basic child care regulations for day camp activities operated by
the Parks and Recreation Department as well as other departments. 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. 3245
Page 1 of 12
PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 8th day of April, 2013.
CITY OF RTH IC LAND ILLS
B y :
. Oscar ino, r
;. .
A7F T:
•.atricia sdre ty Secretary
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APP V S TO FO M A N D LEGALITY:
George A. Staples, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
o v 4 &�
Vickie Loftice, Managing Director of Community Services
Ordinance No. 3245
Page 2 of 12
City of North Richland Hills
Parks and Recreation Department
Youth Programs Standards of Care
I. 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 Youth 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 Recreation Coordinator overseeing the
overall program and the Day Camp Director administering the program on -site.
Programs: Regulations apply to these on -going programs:
Winter Break Camp
Spring Break Camp
Summer Day Camp
Fall Break Camp
Sport and Art Camps
Youth Programs
Drop -in Childcare
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 Centre 6000 Hawk Avenue
Ordinance No. 3245
Page 3 of 12
C. Day Camp Objectives:
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 NRH Centre 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 nine 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 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.
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k.) Conduct on -going program evaluations implementing approved
recommendations as needed.
I.) Provide reports to the Recreation 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 camp participants. The counselor
positions are also responsible for completing necessary forms relating to attendance,
check -in /check -out procedures, accidents, and incidents.
1. 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. Reports
accidents /incidents, behavioral modifications and camp schedules.
Ordinance No. 3245
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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:
b.) 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.
c.) Staff must exhibit competency, good judgment and self control throughout
the duration of the camp.
d.) Staff should relate to the children with courtesy, respect, acceptance and
patience.
e.) 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 a pre-
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 Recreation Coordinator or NRH Centre
Manager immediately.
Ordinance No. 3245
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B. Each camp must have a fully stocked first aid kit. This shall be checked and stocked
on a weekly basis by the Recreation Coordinator. It shall include bandages and Band -
Aids, first aid cream, rubber gloves, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, hot/cold packs, gauze,
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, photo of the child and the child's physician's name. Medication will be
logged into the Medication Log Book. Medication shall be dispensed only as stated on
the bottle unless directed otherwise by parent/guardian or physician, 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. This medication will also be logged in the
Medication Log Book and be dispensed only as stated on the bottle unless directed
otherwise by parent/guardian or physician.
F. Each indoor site shall have adequate indoor toilets and lavatories located 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 Recreation
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.
Ordinance No. 3245
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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 Recreation 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. In addition to hard copies of the weekly schedule parents will be
notified of changes to the schedule via email correspondence. 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.
VI. OPERATIONAL ISSUES
A. Emergency phone numbers are kept at the NRH Centre 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. Transportation Requirements
Texas state law requires child safety seats, specifically booster seats during the
transportation of a child. This law applies to children under the age of 8 and under 4'9"
tall. This law will apply to Camp NRH participants between the ages of 6 -7 years
old.
Ordinance No. 3245
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The law states:
• Once a child reaches eight (8) years of age, they are not legally required to
be in a child safety seat system.
• If the child is younger than eight years of age, BUT they are already 4'9" tall,
they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.
• If a child is eight years old or older; and not yet 4'9" tall, they are not legally
required to be in a child safety seat system.
• The law requires that safety and booster seats be installed and used according
to the manufacturer's instructions, including age, height and weight
requirements and the placement in the vehicle.
In compliance with this law, parents will be required to provide a booster seat for
their child if that child is under 8 years old and measures less than 4'9 ". This
requirement will be sent to parents via letter and email prior to May 1 of each
camp year. Camp NRH will have five booster seats on -site for transportation
services required for field trips and other Camp NRH activities in the event that a
camper forgets to bring their booster seat with them to camp.
Camp NRH staff will be trained to identify children that are required to be in a
booster based on birth date of camper identifying the legal age of the child and by
utilizing a height measuring tool. In addition, staff will be trained by City of North
Richland Hills Police Department officers on how to properly install a child safety
seat. Coordination of this training will be scheduled and confirmed by the
Recreation Coordinator who oversees Camp NRH.
F. Parents will be notified regarding planned field trips and provided the required release
forms. 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.
Ordinance No. 3245
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I. The Recreation 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 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 NRH Centre Manager's office with a copy kept in
the Day Camp files.
Ordinance No. 3245
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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. Camp
staff 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:
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.) All participants are required to wear wristbands that have Camp NRH and
NRH Centre phone number inscribed on them. Participants are also
encouraged 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
Ordinance No. 3245
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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 NRH Centre Manager shall visit each site
on a bi- weekly basis. The Recreation 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 Recreation Coordinator to the NRH Centre 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 NRH Centre Manager or Recreation Coordinator at 817 -427-
6600 or email nnccentre(a)-nrhtx.com
Ordinance No. 3245
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