HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3307 ORDINANCE NO. 3307
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.3307
Page 1 of 11
PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 28th day of April, 2014.
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Monica Solko, Assistant City Secretary
APP-OV; D . S TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
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George A. Staples City Attorney
APPROVE AS TO CONTENT:
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Vickie Loftice, Managing Director
Ordinance No.3307
Page 2 of 11
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 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.3307
Page 3 of 11
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 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 (5-13 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.
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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 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 5-13 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.3307
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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:
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.
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 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 5-
13) 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.
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.
Ordinance No.3307
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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 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.
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.
Ordinance No.3307
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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.
F. Transportation Requirements
A new Texas state law for child safety seats; specifically booster seats, went into effect on
September 1, 2009. 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.
The law states:
• Once a child reaches eight (8) years old, they are not legally required to be in a
child safety seat system.
• If the child is younger than eight years old, 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.
Ordinance No.3307
Page 8of11
In compliance with this new 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 new 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.
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.
Ordinance No.3307
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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.
G. 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.
H. 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.
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.
Ordinance No.3307
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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:
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 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 NRHCENTRE@nrhtx.com.
Ordinance No.3307
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