HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 - Youth Programs Standards of CareMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER .
SUBJECT: CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE GRAPEVINE
YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider an ordinance adopting Grapevine Youth Programs Standards of
Care.
The City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department offers day camp programs for
children ages five to 13. The Texas Legislature requires municipal day camp youth
programs for elementary age children to meet day care licensing requirements or file for
an exemption [Section 42.041(b)(14) of the Child Care Standards and Regulations of the
Texas Human Resources Code]. To receive exempt status, a municipality must submit a
copy of program standards, a notice of a public hearing for the program and a copy of the
ordinance adopting the standards. The public hearing and adoption of the ordinance may
occur on the same day.
All of the proposed Standards of Care included in the City of Grapevine Parks and
Recreation day camp policies and procedures were already in place prior to this formal
adoption process and have been used in the staff training process prior to camp starting
each year.
The Youth Programs Standards of Care provide basic child care regulations for day camp
activities operated by the City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department. The City
of Grapevine day camp program meets, and in some areas, exceeds many of the
standards listed in the State's Child Care Standards and Regulations.
The Standards of Care will be provided to the parents of each program participant and
shall include, at a minimum, the following areas:
• Minimum requirements for staffing ratios
• Staff qualifications and essential job functions
• Facility, health and safety standards
• Procedures for reporting child abuse/neglect allegations
• Written procedures stating that parents and each staff member will be provided a
set of standards
• Contact information of department supervisors for the purpose of complaint
notification and resolution regarding the recreational program
• Written procedures for staff who will be monitoring the programs and enforcing the
standards
• Requirement of criminal background checks on prospective day camp employees
• Service Standards for communicating with parents and performance expectations
of day camp employees
• Behavior management and discipline procedures
• General rules and regulations
The application for exemption determination and the formal adoption of the Youth
Programs Standards of Care and ordinance will be an annual requirement so that the
Standards of Care can be revised as needed to reflect current regulations and policy
changes.
Staff recommends approval
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ORDINANCE NO. .S1WDfte.0S oFQAie
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GRAPEVINE CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY ADDING SECTION 16-19, ADOPTING
THE YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE, CITY
OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, The City of Grapevine, Texas (the "City") administers day camps and
programs for children ages five to thirteen years old; and
WHEREAS, as required by V.T.C.A. Human Resources Code § 42.041(b)(14) (the
"Code"), the City of Grapevine must meet day care licensing requirements for elementary
age children for all day camps administered by the City or apply for an exemption from
the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine Youth Programs Standards of Care will provide
basic child care regulations for day camp activities operated by the Parks and Recreation
and other departments in accordance with the Code; and
WHEREAS, as required by the Code, on February 16, 2016, the City Council of
the City held a public hearing at its regular meeting to gather input from citizens on the
proposed Youth Programs Standards of Care; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Programs Standards of Care is attached hereto as Exhibit
"A" for all intents and purposes and shall be available on the City's website; and
WHEREAS, all constitutional and statutory prerequisites for the approval of this
ordinance have been met, including but not limited to the Open Meetings Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems the adoption of this ordinance to be in the best
interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS:
Section 1. That all matters stated hereinabove are found to be true and correct and
are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
Section 2. That Section 16-19 of the City of Grapevine Code of Ordinances shall
be added to read as follows:
"Sec. 16-19 Youth Programs Standards of Care
The City Council of the City of Grapevine hereby adopted the City of Grapevine
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 V.T.C.A. Human Resources Code § 42.041(b)(14), 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
Grapevine 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. That the above premises are found to be true and correct and are
incorporated into the body of this ordinance as if copied in their entirety.
Section 3. That the City of Grapevine is hereby directed to provide a copy of
the program standards, a notice of a public hearing, and a copy of the ordinance
adopting the standards to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Section 4. That if any portion, section or part of a section of this ordinance is
subsequently declared invalid, inoperative or void for any reason by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions, sections or parts of sections of this
ordinance shall be and remain in full force and effect and shall not in any way be
impaired or affected by such decision, opinion or judgment.
Section 5. That the fact that the present ordinances and regulations of the City
of Grapevine, Texas, are inadequate to properly safeguard the health, safety, morals,
peace and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Grapevine, Texas, creates an
emergency for the immediate preservation of the public business, property, health,
safety and general welfare of the public which requires that this ordinance shall become
effective from and after the date of its final passage, and it is accordingly so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 16th day of February, 2016.
ONSK0171491
2
ORD.
ATTEST:
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CITY OF GRAPEVINE
Youth Programs Standards
A. Organization:
Purpose: To provide basic childcare regulations for recreation activities operated by
the Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department. This will allow the
department to qualify as exempt from requirements of the Texas Human Resource
Code.
1. The governing body of the City of Grapevine Youth Programs is the City of
Grapevine's City Council.
2. Implementation: Program will be the responsibility of the Grapevine Parks &
Recreation Department, with the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Program
Coordinator supervising the overall program and administering the program on-site.
3. Programs: The Youth Programs Standards of Care will apply to all elementary -age
day camp and programs for children ages 5 — 13 years old.
4. Other: Each site will make available for the public and staff a current copy of the
Standards of Care. Parents of participants will be provided an abbreviated copy of
Standards of Care during the registration process.
Program Sites:
Botanical Garden / Bessie Mitchell
411 Ball Street
Dove Waterpark
1509 Hood Lane
Grapevine Public Library
1201 Municipal Way
Grapevine Golf Course
3800 Fairway Drive
Lakeview Park
3850 Lakeview Drive
Meadowmere Park
3000 Meadowmere Lane
Oak Grove Park
2520 Oak Grove Loop South
Parr Park
3010 Parr Lane
Pickering Park
1901 Kimball Road
Pleasant Glade Pool
1805 Hall Johnson Road
Rockledge Park
3600 Pilot Point
The REC
1175 Municipal Way
Implementation:
The Standards of Care Program will be the responsibility of the Grapevine Parks
and Recreation Department, with the Recreation Program Coordinator
overseeing the overall program and the daily operations/administering the programs
on site.
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2016
Regulations apply to these on-going programs:
- Summer Day Camp
- Winter Break Camp
- Spring Break Camp
- Youth Programs
- All Specialty Camps
B. Day Camp Objective
1. To provide youth with the opportunity to experience a variety of recreational
activities which include sports, games, arts & crafts, education, drama, special
events, field trips, etc.
2. To provide a pleasant and memorable experience in a fun atmosphere.
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 several
needs; emotional, physical and social.
C. 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
authorities.
Exemption status covers ages 5 — 13. Exemption status does not cover children
under the age of 5 or over the age of 14.
D. 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 42.04 1(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 REC Camp /
Recreation Program Coordinator at 817 410-3454, The Recreation Supervisor
at 817 410-3468 or Recreation Manager at 817 410-3458.
In
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A. Summer Camp / Recreation Coordinator: The Recreation Coordinator directs and
manages a staff of 10 —12 day camp counselors and supervises the activities of children
in a day camp environment.
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 policies.
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.
£) 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.
1.) Provide reports to the Recreation 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 of experience as a camp counselor and/or educator.
c.) Requires a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record over the
past 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.) Coordinator 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, behavioral issues and discipline, training and examination
program on sexual abuse and 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 50 pounds.
d.) Knowledge of child development and age appropriate activities.
e.) Advanced organizational and communication skills.
f.) Team leadership abilities.
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g.) Varied experience in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, sports,
art, nature, drama and cooperative activities.
B. Day Cap/Recreation Counselor: The Camp Counselor is responsible for direct
leadership of youth ages 5 -- 13 in a variety of activities including, but not limited to
games, sports, arts & crafts, schedules, activities, supplies and equipment, and also
responsible for cleanliness of the area 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, direction for activities, daily schedules and required equipment used
during activities.
c.) Accompanies youth on all field trips.
d.) Exhibit enthusiasm for the activity to impart a feeling of excitement to camp
participants.
e.) Follow procedures for camper check in/check out. Reports
accidents/incidents, behavioral modifications and camp schedules.
f.) Follow guidelines for safety and storage of equipment, including inventory of
supplies.
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.) Three months to a year of experience working with children in a day camp
setting depending on if you are applying as an RCA I Camp Counselor or RCA
Il Camp Counselor.
b.) Minimum age of 16
c.) A valid Texas driver's license with good driving record.
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.
a.) Staff must complete the mandatory staff training program of at least 10 hours,
in addition to planning hours with Recreation Program Coordinator prior to
the start of camp. This training includes departmental orientation, customer
service, sexual harassment training, behavioral issues and discipline, as well
as practical skills on activities for children in games, songs and crafts.
b.) Staff must exhibit competency, good judgement and self-control, throughout
the duration of camp.
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c.) Staff should relate to children with courtesy, respect, acceptance and patience.
d.) Staff must wear the approved uniform.
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.
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.
A. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility.
B. Program employees will inspect sites frequently for any sanitation or safety concerns.
Those concerns should be passed on to the Recreation Supervisor.
C. Each camp must have a fully stocked first aid kit. This shall be checked and stocked
on a weekly basis by the Recreation Program Coordinator. It shall include bandages,
first aid cream, rubber gloves, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, hot/cold packs, gauze,
tweezers and scissors.
D. In a situation where evacuation is necessary, the first priority of staff is to make sure
all participants are in a safe location.
E. Program sites will be inspected annually by the Fire Marshal and must comply with
Fire Marshal's directives.
F. The recommended number of fire extinguishers shall be inspected quarterly and
available and "primed" for use.
G. Fire drills should be conducted once a month during the summer camp.
H. Medication will only be administered with written parental consent. Prescription
medications shall be left with staff in their original container, labeled with the child's
name, date, directions and physician's name. Medication shall be dispensed only as
stated on the bottle, and not past the expiration date.
I. Non-prescription medicine with the child's name and date on the medication may be
brought if in the original container. Non-prescription medication will only be
administered with written parental consent.
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J. 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 one
sink per 30 children.
K. All participants must wear appropriate footwear daily. Sandals and flip flops will be
allowed only in swimming pool areas.
IV. SERVICE STANDARDS - Day Camp / Camp Counselors
This information will be provided to each staff as a part of the day camp manual:
A. Camp staff shirts, shorts, and appropriate footwear are to be worn at all times.
B. Camp participants and parents will be treated with respect at all times.
C. Camp staff will take it upon themselves to resolve complaints. If you are unable to
resolve the complaint on the spot, take the customer's name and phone number,
investigate complaint resolution and then follow up with the customer.
D. Camp staff will keep parents continuously informed of camp activities. A weekly
schedule will be distributed the week prior to session and extra copies will be kept with
the sign in log daily.
E. Camp staff will note details of behavior of campers (accomplishments, discipline
problems, general activities, etc.) and update parents as much as possible.
F. Camp staff will monitor the sign in/out log at all times.
H. Camp staff shall clean rooms after each activity. Floors will be swept or vacuumed,
chairs stacked, mirrors cleaned, and supplies put away. This is extremely important
due to the fact that rooms are used throughout the day by other groups.
I. Camp staff will dedicate their on -duty time to campers and/or parents to ensure a
meaningful and pleasant experience.
J. Prior to working with campers, camp staff will check all messages for the day.
A. Emergency Phone numbers are kept at the front desk of the facilities, as well as with
the Day Camp Director on field trips. Those numbers include fire, police, and
ambulance services.
B. A Day Camp manual is given to every Day Camp Counselor, Day Camp/Recreation
Leader and Program Coordinator. The manual addresses the following items:
1. Discipline Issues
2. City Rules and Regulations
Page 6 of 10 Updated January 27, 2016
3. Forms that must be filled out
4. Service Standards
5. Game/activity leadership
6. Ways to interact with children
7. Field Trips
Additional manuals will be located at each site for access by any staff member.
C. Sign in/sign out sheets will be used every day. Only adults listed on sign-in/out release
will be allowed to pick up children. An authorized person must enter the building,
present appropriate identification and sign the sheet 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 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 numbers of persons to whom the
child can be released.
3. Field trip release form as needed.
4. Liability waiver.
Parental consent to administer medication, medical information, and release on
participant.
G. 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 that placed the child at risk.
H. Staff shall notify parents or authorized persons of children in the facility when there is
an outbreak of a communicable disease in the facility that is required to be reported to
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.
1. Discipline:
Discipline and guidance of children must be consistent and based on an
understanding of individual needs and development.
Page 7 of 10 Updated January 27, 2016
2. There shall be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment.
a.) Children shall not be shaken, bit, hit, or have anything put in or on their mouth
as punishment.
b.) Children shall not be humiliated, yelled at or rejected.
c.) Children shall not be subjected to abusive or profane language.
d.) Punishment shall not be associated with food.
e.) Corporal punishment in any form will not be tolerated.
f.) Staff may use brief, supervised separation from the group if necessary, but
staff shall not place children in a locked room or in a dark room with the door
closed.
3. 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. Continued disciplinary problems will result in the participant being asked
to leave the program.
4. Children who show patterns of endangerment to themselves, other participants or
staff will be asked to leave the program.
J. Illness or Injury
1. Parents shall be notified immediately in cases of illness or injury.
2. 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 medical evaluation indicates that the child can be included in the activities.
In the event that an injury cannot be administered through basic first aid, staff will
call 911.
3. When an injury occurs, an incident report shall be filled out immediately. The form
shall be filled out completely with the original sent to the Recreation Supervisor's
office and a copy kept in the Day Camp files.
As a part of the Day Camp Manual, staff will be given the following information:
A. 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.
B. Children must stay off any elevated surfaces (tables, counter tops, ping pong tables,
etc.)
C. Children should walk in the building. Running is permitted only in designated areas.
D. Bouncing and throwing balls is permitted only in the gym.
E. Active games using equipment that can cause damage to window, shades, lights, and
ceilings must be played only in the gym.
F. Children must respect staff and each other.
Page 8 of 10 Updated January 27, 2016
G. Children must wear shoes at all times.
H. Children must be contained and not allowed to filter in with the general public. You
must know where each and every child is AT ALL TIMES.
VII. ACTIVITIES
A. Activities for each group will be planned according to the participant age, interest and
ability. The activities should be flexible and promote social and educational
advancement.
B. A weekly calendar of activities will be posted for parents the Friday prior to that week
of camp.
C. When taking field trips, staff will:
1. Count everyone before they leave the program site as well as prior to leaving the
field trip site.
2. Carry medical information on each child and necessary medications with them on
the trip.
3. Carry a first aid kit.
4. Carry a cellular phone for emergency use.
5. Ensure that participants are wearing a camp shirt and a City of Grapevine
wristband so that children are easily identified.
A. Ratio on field trips will be 10:1 per staff member.
B. Each staff member is given a list of campers. Staff is responsible for the assigned
list of campers for the duration of the trip.
C. A required face to name check will be done prior to leaving the program site, upon
arrival at the field trip site, upon leaving the field trip site and upon arrival back at
the program site.
D. A notebook with all important information for each camper will be taken to each
field trip.
Standards of care established by The REC of Grapevine will be monitored and enforced by
city departments responsible for their respective areas as identified:
A. Health and safety standards will be monitored and enforced by the City's Police, Fire,
and Code Enforcement Departments.
B. Staff and program issues will be monitored and enforced by the City of Grapevine
Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation Manager shall visit each site on a
Page 9 of 10 Updated January 27, 2016
weekly basis for an informal inspection of the programs. Recreation Supervisor and
Recreation Program Coordinator are responsible for informally checking the camp
activities on a daily basis. When this staff is not available, another full-time staff person
will be assigned for daily checks.
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