HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3884A ORDINANCE NO. 3884A
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, READOPTING SECTION 62-10 OF
THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS CODE
OF ORDINANCES READOPTING THE CITY OF NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE,
FOLLOWING A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION; ANDPROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of North Richland Hills, Texas ("The City") is a home rule city acting
under its power adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5
of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code;
and
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 OF THE CITY
OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds the recitals above to be true and correct, and
such recitals are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if written herein.
SECTION 2. Sec. 62-10 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances is hereby
adopted 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
Ordinance No.3884A
Page 1 of 3
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
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 3. The City Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to cause the
publication of the descriptive caption and applicable penalty clause of this
ordinance as an alternative method of publication provided by law.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills, except where the provisions
of this Ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances
and such Code, in which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances
and such Code are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. All rights and remedies of the City of North Richland Hills are expressly
saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of any ordinances in the
Code of Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills that have accrued at
the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; as to such accrued violations
and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court
or not, under such ordinances same shall not be affected by this Ordinance
but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 6. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are
severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this
ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and
sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the
City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 7. This ordinance shall be in full force and effective immediately after its
passage and publication as required by law.
AND IT IS SO ORDAINED.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this 13th day of January, 2025.
Ordinance No.3884A
Page 2 of 3
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
By• ,�
b���a`•4��HL ••• ck McCarty, Mayor
ATTEST: "Ar........ s
• r r
rr
Alicia Richardson e� " may'
City Secretary/Chief GoNs*
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Bradley A ere, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
ten Pekurne
Director of Parks and Recreat' n
Ordinance No.3884A
Page 3 of 3
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 fee based 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.
Regulations apply to these on-going programs:
Winter Break Camp
Spring Break Camp
Summer Day Camp
Fall Break Camp
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 (Main Site)
Adventure World Playground 7451 Starnes Rd
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Green Valley Community Park 7701 Smithfield Rd
John Barfield Trail 8201 Davis Blvd
The Lakes at Hometown 8700 Bridge St
Northfield Park 7804 Davis Blvd
Stormy Plaza 9010 Grand Ave
Walker Creek Elementary 8780 Bridge St (parking lot and field)
Walker's Creek Park 8403 Emerald Hills Way
Walker's Creek Trail 8403 Emerald Hills Way
Dolce Place 9000 Grand Ave
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 14-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 (5-12 years)in accordance with the philosophy
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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.
k.) Conduct on-going program evaluations implementing approved recommendations as
needed.
I.) Provide reports to the Membership Services Supervisor 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
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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.
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 but not required.
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 5-12) may not exceed
15:1 children to staff. Camp NRH Day Camp maintains 12:1 children (ages 5-12)to staff ratio.
On all field trips, Camp NRH Day Camp maintains 8:1 children to staff ratio.
Ill. 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 Membership Services Supervisor or NRH Centre Manager immediately.
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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 Camp Director. It shall include but is not limited to 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 ePACT Network as
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 until dispense to child. 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 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 athletic 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. 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 four to five 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 Membership Services Supervisor.
3. Men and women's swimsuits should provide full coverage when swimming activities are held
at the NRH Centre, NRH2O or other aquatic facilities.
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,
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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 Membership Services Supervisor.
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 and campnrh.com. 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,sanitized 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 law requires that all children younger than 8 years old, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9
inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children who have
outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt.
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". 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.
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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.
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 using ePACT Network for 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 Membership Services Supervisor 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.
E. 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
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to pick up their child immediately.
F. 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, countertops, ping pong tables, etc.
3. Children should walk in the building. Running is only permitted in the gym and outside areas.
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
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must be played only in the gym or outdoors.
6. Children must respect staff and each other.
7. Children must wear closed toe shoes at all times.
8. Children must be contained and not allowed to filter in the general public.
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
Membership Services Supervisor 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 Membership Services Supervisor 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 Membership Services Supervisor at 817-427-6600 or email
NRHPARD@nrhtx.com.
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