HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance No. 1407-20 05-11-2020ORDINANCE NO. 1407-20
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND
HILLS, TEXAS, ADOPTING STANDARDS OF CARE FOR YOUTH
PROGRAMS PROVIDED AT THE LINK EVENT AND RECREATION
CENTER; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills, Texas, is a home rule city acting under its
charter 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 Link will be offering youth programs in the form of day camps and
after-school programs for children ages 5 years old to 12 years old; and
WHEREAS, state law requires that the City conduct a public hearing and adopt
standards of care for the operation of the youth programs; and
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2020 the City properly posted and conducted a public
hearing to receive public input on the adoption of the standards of care; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it appropriate to adopt standards of care which
are in full compliance with the requirements of Chapter 42 of the Texas Human Resources
Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
The Standards of Care attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein for
all purposes are hereby adopted as the Standards of Care for the Link. Parents of each
program participant shall be provided with a copy of the Standards of Care and be
informed that the program is not licensed by the state. The City may not advertise the
Link as a childcare facility.
SECTION 2.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances and of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, as amended, except where the provisions of
the is ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such Code
are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3.
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 4.
That all rights and remedies of the City of Richland Hills are expressly saved as to any
and all violations of the provisions of the Code of Ordinances which have accrued at the time
of the effective date of this Ordinance; and, 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 5.
The City Secretary of the City of Richland Hills is hereby directed to publish this
ordinance to the extent required by law.
SECTION 6.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 11TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
ATTEST:
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EFFECTIVE: OS -I I ~DZC)
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
(_
Exhibit "A"
Standards of Care
City of Richland Hills -The Link -Event and Recreation Center
I. General Information/ Administration
Purpose: To provide basic childcare regulations for activities operated by The Link -Event
and Recreation Center in Richland Hills (The Link). This will allow The Link to qualify as
exempt from requirements of the Texas Human Resources Code.
A. Organization:
1. The governing body of The Link is the Richland Hills' City Council.
2. Implementation of the Standards of Care (SOC) is the responsibility of The
Link Manager and staff.
3. The SOC will apply to several day camp programs which are conducted
throughout the year by The Link. The SOC will also apply to the After-
School programs that The Link will operate during the Birdville
Independent School District (BISD), International Leadership of Texas (ILT),
and IDEA Public School (IDEA) calendars.
4. The Link will have available, for public and staff, a current copy of the SOC
upon request.
B. Implementation: The Link Manger, Recreation Coordinator, and Summer Camp
Director will be responsible for implementing the SOC.
Regulations apply these on-going programs:
Spring Break Camp
Summer Camp
Fall/Thanksgiving Camp
Winter Camp
1-Day Camps
After-school Program
Sport and Art Camps
Drop-In Childcare
Program Site: The Link, 6750 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, TX 76118
C. Day Camp Objectives:
1. To provide children and youth with 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 and youth 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 childcare 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 before 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 Link
Manager at (817) 616-3738 or at The Link during program hours.
II. Staffing
A. Recreation Manager-The Recreation Manager directs the children's program
staff and supervises the activities of participants 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 and train staff with an age appropriate camp curriculum
(elementary ages) 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 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,
when needed.
k) Conduct on-going program evaluations implementing approved
recommendations as needed.
I) Provide reports to The Link Director on a weekly basis to monitor
camp activities throughout the program.
2. Qualifications:
a) Bachelor's Degree in Education, Recreation or a similar area of
study is preferred but not required.
b) A minimum of three years experience in Recreation or Education
industries.
c) Requires a valid Texas DL with a good driving record over the last
three years.
d) Must pass city criminal background check prior to working with
children.
e) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f) Must complete First Aid, CPR and AED training prior to camp.
3. Requirements of Work:
a) Manager must complete all mandatory staff training prior to the
start of camp if possible or within 6 months of hire. This training is
to include, but not limited to departmental policies, The Link
policy, customer service, sexual harassment, behavioral and
discipline, preventative sexual abuse and molestation, and
practical skills for 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) Varied experience in a variety of activities including sports, arts,
nature, drama, and cooperative activities.
B. Recreation Coordinator & Summer Camp Director -responsible for the day-to-
day operation of after school and day camp programs.
1. Essential Job Functions:
a) Directs and supervises the day camp program for children ages 5-
12.
b) Leads and instructs all camp counselors. Plans, coordinates, and
supervises programs, field trips, and activities of the day camp.
c) Works closely with the Recreation Manager to determine work
procedures, help prepare work schedules, follow-up on
accident/incident reports, and assist with discipline (staff or
campers) and any other necessary assistance.
d) Serves as a resource person for camp counselors. Leads the camp
counselors in facilitating appropriate behavior among campers and
handling inappropriate behavior promptly. Provides direct
supervision to campers at all times.
e) Maintains positive interpersonal relations among everyone
involved in the summer camp program; including children, parents,
Link staff, camp staff, Recreation Manager, and Parks & Recreation
Director.
f) Acts as a role model for children ages 5-12, displays appropriate
behavior, and creates a safe, inclusive environment for all campers
and staff.
g) Monitors the use of recreation equipment and ensures it is used in
a capacity that is used in accordance with its intended use.
h) Ensures all equipment is returned to its original location and put
back in an organized fashion. Follows and enforces staff rules,
policies, and procedures outlined in the Summer Camp staff
handbook.
i) Maintains positive public relations with parents and the general
public at all times.
j) Performs administrative duties such as maintaining records,
incident reports, etc.
k) Performs all other various duties assigned by Recreation Manager.
2. Qualifications:
a) Bachelor's Degree in Education, Recreation or a similar area of
study is preferred but not required.
b) A minimum of three years experience in Recreation or Education
industries.
c) Requires a valid Texas DL with a good driving record over the last
three years.
d) Must pass city criminal background check prior to working with
children.
e) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f) Must complete First Aid, CPR and AED training prior to camp.
3. Requirements of Work:
a) Coordinator and Summer Camp Director must complete all
mandatory staff training prior to the start of camp if possible or
within 6 months of hire. This training is to include, but not limited
to departmental policies, The Link policy, customer service, sexual
harassment, behavioral and discipline, preventative sexual abuse
and molestation, and practical skills for 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) Varied experience in a variety of activities including sports, arts,
nature, drama, and cooperative activities.
C. Camp Leader and Attendant -The Camp Leaders and Attendants are responsible
for direct leadership of youth 5-13 in a variety of activities including, but not
limited to games, sports, crafts, special events and field trips. The Leaders and
Attendants assist in planning and organizing camp schedules, activities, supplies,
equipment, and is also responsible for cleanliness of the areas used by camp
participants. The Leaders and Attendants are also responsible for completing
necessary forms relating to attendance, check-in/check-out procedures,
accidents, and incidents. Childcare Attendants will interact with children 6
months to 12 years old.
1. Essential Job Functions:
a) Promote a non-competitive, positive, self-image enhancing
environment for each participant through the direction of well-
designed activities.
b) Directly lead activities using a method that will provide opportunity
for the involvement of all children on an equal level.
c) Exhibit enthusiasm for the activity to impart a feeling of
excitement to all camp participants.
d) Follow procedures for camper check-in/check-out. Reporting
accidents, incidents, behavioral modifications and camp schedules.
e) Follow guidelines for safety and storage of equipment, including
inventory of supplies.
f) Ensure safety of all children and staff 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 participants.
2. Minimum Qualifications:
a) High School diploma and some college preferred.
b) One year of formal experience working with children preferred.
c) Requires a valid Texas DL with a good driving record over the last
three years.
d) Must pass city criminal background check prior to working with
children.
e) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f) Must complete First Aid, CPR and AED training prior to camp.
3. Other Requirements:
a) Leaders and Attendants must complete all mandatory staff training
prior to the start of camp if possible or within a month of hire
depending on the availability of each training topic. This training is
to include, but not limited to departmental policies, The Link
policy, customer service, sexual harassment, behavioral and
discipline, preventative sexual abuse and molestation, and
practical skills for 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 per year by the Link Director
and Manager. Evaluations will be reviewed to discuss any areas of
improvement or suggestions.
4. Staffing Ratios: The state required ratio for number of children (5-13) may
not exceed 15:1 children to staff. The Link staff ratio will work to have a
ratio no greater than 12:1. For field trips and off-site swimming, the ratio
will be closer to 10:1.
Ill. Facility Standards
A. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at The Link. Program
employees will inspect sites frequently for any sanitation or safety concerns.
Those concerns will be passed on the Recreation Coordinator or The Link
Manager.
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 or "Lead" Attendant. It
shall include bandages and/or Band-Aids, rubber gloves, 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. The Link Manager is responsible for compliance with the
Fire Marshall's directives. The recommended number of fire extinguishers shall
be inspected quarterly available and "primed" for use. Fire drills should be
conducted once a month during the summer camp.
D. Medication will only be administered with a parent consent form completed in
addition to the program registration form. Prescription medications shall be left
with staff in their original container, labeled with the child's name, date,
directions and the child's physician's name. Medication can only be dispensed
only as stated on the bottle unless stated in written form.
E. All medications will be recorded on the parent consent form.
F. The Link will 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 participants. Sinks will also be at 1 sink to 30
children. It is expected that all camp and afterschool participants will be potty
trained. Our staff will not be able to help change children that have had an
accident.
G. All participants must wear tennis shoes daily. Sandals, slip-ons, slippers, or flip-
flips will not be allowed, except with appropriate field trips, like swimming.
IV. Service Standards -Camp Staff
A. This information will be provided to each staff member as a part of the program
manual:
1. Appropriate clothing will be worn at all times. City or program shirt will be
worn with fingertip or longer length shorts. Shorts or pants worn should
not be form fitting. The only exemption will be bathing suits. Any clothing
worn should not have any inappropriate logos, pictures, or messages
2. Staff will be provided at least two city or program shirts to wear as a
uniform top. If a staff member needs to go home to change, it will be
without pay.
3. Females will wear one-piece suits while working with the camp or other
city programs. Males will wear board shorts that are not form fitting.
4. Name tags/IDs will be worn on the uniform shirt at all times.
5. Participants and parents will be treated with respect at all times.
6. Program staff will take it upon themselves to resolve complaints. Do not
refer customer to another staff member outside of camp staff. Elevate to
"Lead" attendant if necessary. Beyond that, take a name and phone
number for fulltime staff to contact later. All issues, problems, and
complaints should be recorded in the Camp Comment Log, along with the
resolution.
7. Camp staff will keep parents informed of daily activities. General weekly
schedule will be available to parents the week before. Daily schedules will
be visible each day.
8. Camp staff will monitor the check-in/check-out log at all times.
9. Camp staff will keep each activity area clean and tidy. Cleaning includes
floors, walls, furniture, with supplies put away after use.
10. Camp staff will be involved with participants and parents most of the time.
Staff will need to check in with the front desk and fulltime staff for
updates and messages.
V. Operational Issues
A. Emergency phone numbers are kept at The Link's front desk, as well as with the
camp binder on all field trips.
B. The 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 participants. The authorized
adults 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 The Link.
E. Transportation Requirements
A 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 eight and
under four foot and nine inches tall. This law will apply to camp participants
between the ages of five and seven years old.
The state law states:
• Once a child reaches eight years old, they are not legally required to be in
a child safety seat system.
• If the child is younger than eight, but is already taller than four foot and 9
inches tall, that are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.
• If the child is eight but shorter than the above height, 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 instructors, including age, height and
weight requirements and the placement in the vehicle.
In compliance with this law, parents may be required to supply the appropriate
booster seat for their child if they fit into the criteria above.
Camp staff will be trained to identify children that are required to be in a booster
seat based on birth date. Additionally, staff will be trained by the Richland Hills
Police Department on how to properly install a child safety seat.
F. Parents will be notified of and given additional permission forms, if needed, for
field trips. Enrollment information will be maintained on each vehicle while
traveling to and from field trips sites.
G. Enrollment information will be kept on each participant and shall include: Child's
name, birth date, home address, guardian's phone number, back-up day-time
phone numbers. The registration form will have the name and number of each
individual authorized to check-out the participant. Additionally, the form will
have signatures for waivers, field trip release, and travel authorization. Lastly, the
medication consent will be kept in The Link's administration office.
H. Staff w'ill immediately notify parent or guardian when a participant is injured or
has been involved in any situation that places the child at risk.
I. The Recreation Manager or Coordinator will communicate with parents if a
communicable disease or possible parasitic infestation as required by the County
Department of Health.
J. The children in camp and the afterschool program will be exposed to G and PG
movies as well as E and E10 (specially Lego games) video games. We will not be
able to manage whether an individual child sees or hears any part of one of these
forms of entertainment. Movies watched could include those seen at The Link or
during a field trip. Parents registering their child for Link programs are agreeing
to allow their child(ren) to be a part of these entertainment opportunities.
K. In some cases it may be necessary to evaluate if our programs are the right choice
for your family. Completing a registration form is not a guarantee of admission to
our program. In some cases, we will need to determine if our program is
appropriate for your child. Our programs are not designed for therapeutic or one-
on-one care or attention.
VI. 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. Discipline will be focused on growth of the individual and encouraging
improved behavior management.
C. Program employees may use brief, supervised separation for 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, the participant will know there is
a consequence for their chosen action.
D. Incident reports will be filled out on any disciplinary cases and shared with
parents when picking up the child (sooner if an extreme case). Parents will be
asked to sign the incident report to indicate that they have been advised about
specific problems and/or negative behaviors.
E. A participant could be suspended based on an extreme case or an aggregated
concern of poor behavior choices. If that happens, parents will be contacted
immediately and asked to pick up their child.
F. Immediate removal from the program can happen if a child displays physical harm
or threatens another participant. If a participant is removed from the program
for behavior issues, there will not be a refund for unused time.
VII. 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. If the illness includes the
threat of a communicable disease, that child will need to be picked up
immediately.
C. Programs are designs for well children. If a child is suspected of having a
temperature and/or shows other signs or symptoms, that child will need to be
removed from the program until they can be deemed well by physician. In the
case that an injury cannot be remedied with basic first aid, staff shall notify
paramedics.
D. When an injury occurs, an incident report shall be filled out immediately after the
incident and given to the Recreation Supervisor and/or Link Manager with a copy
kept in the Camp files.
E. In the event of expected abuse, program employees will immediately report a
concern 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 also be reported to fulltime recreation staff. Staff will
then notify the Police Department and any other appropriate agency as soon as
possible.
F. Texas state law requires that staff of children and 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.
VIII. General Guidelines for Children
A. As a part of the Camp Manual, parents will be given the following information:
1. A child is not allowed to use the phone unless it is deemed an emergency.
In this case, staff should make the call for the child.
2. Children must use furniture correctly, only sitting where designed and no
standing on any furniture, counter, or game table.
3. Running is only permitted in the gym and on special occasions in the
activity rooms, then only with supervision.
4. Bouncing or throwing balls is only permitted in the gym and on special
occasions in the activity rooms, then only with supervision.
I
5. Active games that could damage, furniture, fixtures, and equipment shall
only be played in the appropriate areas.
6. Children must always show respect toward staff and other participants.
7. Children must always have on appropriate attire and athletic, non-marking
shoes.
8. Children will always be contained and separated from the general public,
except for on field trips, park visits and when swimming. Then staff will be
more diligent with their oversight, so as to 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 will be available to parents the week before each camp
session starts
2. While monitoring field trips, staff will;
a) Count everyone before leaving The Link and before returning back
from the destination.
b) Carry all pertinent participant information including medical
information.
c) Carry a first aid kit and mobile phone in each vehicle that is
transporting participants.
d) Each participant will wear a Link wrist band on each field trip. The
wrist band will have Link information in case a participant gets lost
or loses visual contact with the rest of the group.
IX. Monitoring and Enforcement
A. Standards of Care established by the City of 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
Code Enforcement departments when applicable.
B. Staff and program issues will be monitored and enforced by the Recreation
Department staff. The Link Manager shall visit the program facilities on a bi-
weekly basis. The Recreation Supervisor will be responsible for a visual inspection
on a daily basis.
C. Monthly reporting by The Link Manager will include a comprehensive review of all
program details, as well as the operation summaries.
For further information regarding the Standards of Care or any other information about children
and youth programs offered by The Link please contact the front desk at 817-616-3738.