HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 23069-01-2018 ORDINANCE NO. 23069-01-2018
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE STANDARDS OF CARE FOR 2018
FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE CITY OF FORT WORTH;
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,pursuant to section 42.041(b)(14) of the Texas Human Resources Code, the
City of Fort Worth is not required to obtain a license from the Department of Family and Protective
Services to operate an elementary-age(ages 5-13)recreation program provided that the governing
body of the City of Fort Worth annually adopts standards of care by ordinance after a public
hearing; and
WHEREAS,section 42.041(b)(14)of the Texas Human Resources Code requires that the
standards of care adopted by the City of Fort Worth are provided to the parents of each program
participant and that the standards of care include, staffing ratios, minimum staff qualifications,
minimum facility, health, and safety standards, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the
adopted local standards; and further provided that parents be informed that the program is not
licensed by the state and the program may not be advertised as a child-care facility; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth finds that a public hearing was held prior to the
adoption of this ordinance.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
In accordance with section 42.041(b)(14) of the Texas Human Resources Code,the Fort
Worth City Council hereby adopts the Standards of Care for 2018 for the elementary-age
recreation programs operated by the City of Fort Worth that are attached hereto as Exhibit "A"
and incorporated by reference as if fully set out herein.
SECTION 2.
The ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances and of the Code of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas (2015), as amended, 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provisions of such ordinances and such Code are hereby repealed.
2018 Standards of Care Ordinance No.23069-01-2018
Pagel of 2
SECTION 3.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences,clauses,and phrases 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.
This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: CITY SECRETARY:
Richard McCracken ary J.
Assistant City Attorney
ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: January 9, 2018
M&C: G-19204
2018 Standards of Care Ordinance No.23069-01-2018
Page 2 of 2
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF FORT WORTH YOUTH PROGRAM STANDARDS OF CARE
The following Standards of Care have been adopted by the City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas to
comply with the amendment to Section 42.041 (b) (14), Human Resources Code as approved by the Texas
Legislature during the 74th legislative session.
An elementary-age (ages 5-13) recreation program operated by municipality provided the
governing body of the municipality annually adopts standards of care by ordinance after a public
hearing for such programs, that such standards are provided to the parents of each program
participant, and that the ordinances shall include, at a minimum,staffing ratios, minimum staff
qualifications, minimum facility, health and safety standards, and mechanisms for monitoring
and enforcing the adopted local standards, and further provided that parents be informed that
the program is not licensed by the state and the program may not be advertised as a child-care
facility.
The Standards of Care are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Fort Worth will
operate the City's Youth Programs. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and
are not licensed by the state of Texas as certified day care programs. The Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services has issued an exemption determination certificate to the City of Fort Worth.
Administration
I. Definitions
A. City- City of Fort Worth
B. City Council -City Council of the City of Fort Worth,Texas
C. Department-Department of the City of Fort Worth
D. Youth Program(s) -City of Fort Worth Youth Programs that last one consecutive week(five
days) or longer.
E. Operations Manual - Notebook of policies, procedures, required forms, organizational and
programming information relevant to City of Fort Worth Youth Programs.
F. Program Manual - Notebook of information given to Program Leaders which includes
rosters, attendance sheets,lesson plans,disciplinary action forms,etc.
G. Director-City of Fort Worth Department Director or his/her designee.
H. Program Coordinator or Coordinator - City of Fort Worth staff who has been assigned
administrative responsibility for a City of Fort Worth Youth Program.
1. Program Leader - City of Fort Worth full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, temporary staff,
contract instructor or volunteer who has been assigned responsibility to implement the City's
Youth Programs.
J. Program Site-Area or facilities where City of Fort Worth Youth Programs are held.
1 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
K. Participant - A youth whose parent(s) or guardian(s) have completed all required
registration procedures and are determined to be eligible for a City of Fort Worth Youth
Program.
L. Parent(s) - This term will be used to represent one or both parent(s) or guardian(s) who
have legal custody and authority to enroll their child(ren) in the City of Fort Worth Youth
Program.
M. Program Staff- Term used to describe the person or persons who have been hired or have
volunteered to work for the City of Fort Worth and have been assigned responsibility for
managing, administering, or implementing some or all portions of the Fort Worth Youth
Programs. This definition also includes Program Coordinator and Program Leader.
N. Facility-One type of facility used to host any program as listed in I.D.
II. Organization
A. The governing body of the Youth Program is the City Council.
B. Implementation of the Fort Worth Youth Programs Standards of Care is the responsibility of
the Director and Program Staff.
C. Youth Programs to which these Standards of Care apply are those that last one consecutive
week(five days) or longer.
D. Each Program Site will have a current copy of the Standards of Care available for the public
and Program Staff.
E. Parents of Participants will be given access to a current copy of the Standards of Care prior
to the start of the Youth Program,preferably during the registration process.
F. Criminal background checks will be conducted on prospective Program Staff. Depending on
the background check results, candidates will be placed at the discretion of the Human
Resources Department policies and procedures.
In addition, checks of the Texas Department of Public Safety database for the Texas Sex
Offender Registration Program will be conducted on prospective Program Staff. If results of
the check indicate that an applicant is a registered sex offender, he or she will not be
considered for employment.
III. Fiscal Management
A. The program will follow the written policies and procedures of fiscal management set forth
by the City of Fort Worth.
B. The program will have sound fiscal management and operational oversight.
C. The program will have a written budget.
D. Financial statements of the program will be reviewed regularly by the Director and
adjustments will be made as needed.
2of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
Staffing
I. Program Coordinator(Coordinator) Qualifications
A. Coordinators are considered professional staff members of the Department and must have
all Program Leader qualifications as outlined in Section 111 of this document.
B. Coordinators should possess the following combination of experience and training:
1. Two years of responsible community center service or recreational programming
experience.
2. Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major
course work in Sports Management,Physical Education,Recreation,or a related field.
C. Coordinators must pass a background investigation,including a test for illegal substances.
D. Coordinators must have a current certification in First Aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR), and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) - Adult and Child. These certifications
must be from a nationally recognized certifying organization,i.e.,American Heart Association
or American Red Cross.
E. Coordinators must furnish proof of a clear tuberculosis test taken within 12 months prior to
their employment date.
F. Coordinators must take a tuberculosis test every year and provide proof of a clear
tuberculosis test.
I1. Coordinator Responsibilities
A. Coordinators are responsible for administrating the Youth Program's daily operations in
compliance with the adopted Standards of Care.
B. Coordinators are responsible for recommending the hiring, supervising, and evaluating of
Program Leaders.
C. Coordinators are responsible for planning,implementing,and evaluating Youth Programs.
III. Program Leader(Leader) Qualifications
A. Program Leaders will be full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary employees of the
Department or volunteers.
B. Volunteers working with participants must be age 16 or older; however, each Program Site
will have at least one Leader present at all times, and all Leaders must be at least four years
older than the participants they are working with.
C. Leaders must have a current certification in First Aid,Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation(CPR),
and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) -Adult and Child. These certifications must be
3of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
from a nationally recognized certifying organization, i.e., American Heart Association or
American Red Cross.
D. Leaders must pass a background investigation, including a test for illegal substances.
E. Leader applicants must furnish proof of a clear tuberculosis test that was completed within
the 12 months prior to their employment date.
F. Leaders must take a tuberculosis test every year and provide proof of a clear tuberculosis
test.
G. Leaders must have a minimum of 6 months' experience in recreation, education, or youth
programs.
H. Leaders must possess an accredited High School diploma or GED certificate from the state in
which it was acquired.
IV. Leader Responsibilities
A. Leaders will be responsible for providing Participants with an environment in which they can
feel safe, enjoy wholesome recreation activities, and participate in appropriate social
opportunities with their peers.
B. Leaders will be responsible to know and adhere to all City,Departmental,and Youth Program
standards,policies and procedures that apply to Youth Programs.
C. Leaders must ensure that Participants are released only to a Parent or an Authorized Person
designated by the Parent. If a Parent wishes that their child sign himself in or out,the Parent
must sign a release giving said authorization. Any child signing themselves out cannot stay
at the facility or on the premises.
D. Leaders will be responsible for supervised access to the restrooms for Participants.
E. Program Staff will:
1. Consistently exhibit competency,good judgment and self-control when working with
participants.
2. Relate to youth with courtesy, respect,tolerance,and patience.
3. Intentionally develop individual relationships with youth, focusing on their
developmental needs and building on their unique strengths.
4. Create a supportive,caring environment and build self-esteem in every participant.
S. Be engaged in activities with the participants.
6. Recognize participants for their achievements and participation.
7. Clearly communicate behavior expectations.
4of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
8. Apply rewards and consequences appropriately and consistently for participant
behavior.
9. Model and reinforce positive behavior and use positive techniques to address
negative behavior by participants.
V. Training/Orientation
A. The Department is responsible to provide training and orientation to Youth Program staff in
working with Participants and for specific job responsibilities. Coordinators will provide
each Leader with a Program Manual specific to each Youth Program.
B. Program Staff must be familiar with the Standards of Care for Youth Programs as adopted by
the City Council.
C. Program Staff must be familiar with the Youth Program's policies, including discipline,
guidance, and release of Participants as outlined in the Program Manual.
D. Program Staff will be trained in appropriate procedures to handle emergencies.
E. Program Staff will be trained in areas including City,Department,and Youth Program policies
and procedures, recreation activities organization, safety issues, program organization, and
other areas as required by assigned Youth Program. The training will include Child Abuse
Detection and Prevention
F. Program Staff will be required to sign an acknowledgment that they received the required
training.
Program Operations
I. Enrollment
A. Before a child can become a Youth Program Participant, a parent or guardian must register
their child and provide the the required information to include name, address, phone
number,emergency contact and child release information,statement child's special problems
or needs, emergency medical authorization, signed liability waiver, relase to participate in
water activities, designation of need for reasonal accomodations, sign acknowledgement of
code of conduct,and proof of birth date.
II. Staff-Participant Ratio
A. In a Youth Program,the standard ratio of Participants to Program Staff is 15 to 1, based on
average daily attendance. In the event a Leader is unable to report to the Program Site,the
Coordinator will assign a replacement.
B. Ratios may be adjusted to provide adequate supervision during higher risk activities,such as
field trips,swimming,etc.
5of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
C. Each Participant will have a Program Staff who is responsible for him or her and who is aware
of details of the Participant's habits, interests and any special needs as identified by the
Participant's Parents during the registration process.
III. Special Needs
A. The program is aware of,records,and informs staff of special needs of Participants.
B. The City is committed to providing children with an equal opportunity to participate in the
City's programs and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Any requests for accommodations will be individually assessed to determine the
reasonableness of the request and if the City can meet the particular needs of the Particpant
without fundamentally altering the program or services involved. Every reasonable
accommodation will be made to address Participants with special needs.
C. Participants with special needs requiring personal assistance, i.e., feeding, changing of
clothes, certain behavioral needs and using the restroom, must provide an attendant (18
years of age or older)for the duration of the program. Program Staff will not provide personal
assistance. The attendant will be admitted to the program free of charge.Any additional fees
must be paid by the personal attendant. With 48 hours written notice, accessible vehicles
will be made available for transportation to authorized field trips.
Activities
I. The program provides a safe, healthy, and age appropriate environment for all participants. The
program provides a well-rounded variety of activities and opportunities that support the physical,
social, emotional,and cognitive growth and development of all participants.
II, Schedule
A. The program establishes and follows a schedule that is known to Program Staff, Participants,
and Parents.
B. The daily schedule will be available for Program Staff, Participants,and Parents.
C. The daily schedule will be flexible enough to provide adaptability, but structured enough to
provide predictability for the Participants.
D. Transitions will be programmed into the schedule and will be orderly,efficient,and minimal
in duration.
E. Screen time (movies,video games,TV,computers)will not exceed two (2) hours daily.
F. The program schedule will provide intentional opportunities for Participants to be
meaningfully involved in program planning,implementation,data collection,and evaluation.
Participant feedback will be incorporated into the program when possible.
G. Program Staff will attempt to provide indoor and outdoor time periods to include:
1. Alternating active and passive activities,including planned rest times.
6of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
2. An appropriate amount of time for all activities;
3. Opportunity for individual,small and large group activities,and
4. Outdoor time each day as weather permits based upon space availability and weather
conditions.
H. Participants are provided with a variety of engagement strategies,such as:
1. Self-directed projects;
2. Individual,small group,and large group activities;
3. Short and long term projects;
4. Discovery learning;
S. Literacy Enhancements
6. Hands-on projects;
7. Experiential activities that promote creativity and self-expression;
8. Peer mentoring opportunities;
9. Participant-led activities:and
10. Opportunities for participants to make formal presentations.
III. Field Trips&Transportation
A. Program Staff will be attentive and considerate of the Participant's safety on field trips and
during any transportation provided by the Youth Program.
1. During field trips, Program Staff will have authorization for emergency medical care
and emergency contact information for each Participant.
2. Program Staff will have a written list of the Participants in their group and must check
the roll frequently,specifically before departure to and from destination.
3. Program Staff will have first aid supplies.
B. Before a Participant can be transported to and from City sponsored activities,the parent must
give their permission.
C. First aid supplies will be available in all Youth Program vehicles that transport Participants.
D. There will be at least one staff member in the vehicle that is certified in CPR, First Aid, and
AE D.
7of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
E. All vehicles used for transporting Participants will have a 6-13C portable fire extinguisher
installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle,accessible to the adult occupants.
F. Seatbelts will be worn if provided.
G. Participants will be oriented to expected behavior and safety rules.
H. Participants will be given stickers or wristbands with the location's name and phone number
to be worn at all times while on a field trip.
I. According to the Texas Occupant Restraint Law, every child younger than 8 years of age,
unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, must be properly secured in a federally
approved safety seat, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety
seat system, when riding in vehicles that carry 15 or fewer passengers. Safety seats will be
provided.
J. Where available,and subject to 48 hours written notice,transportation will be provided for
Participants with special needs. See page 6,III.Special Needs.
IV. Participant Pick Up&Drop Off
A. A completed and signed Pick-Up Authorization Form must be on file for each Participant.
B. These forms must be updated each year.
C. The original signer of the Pick-Up Authorization Form may contact the center in person to
add a newAuthorized Person,with written notification. The original signer may also contact
the center via telephone and make changes verbally using the safety word on the Pick-Up
Authorization Form.
D. Participants must only be signed out by an Authorized Person listed on the Pick-Up
Authorization Form.One staff person must monitor the sign in/out duties each day.
E. Authorized Persons must present picture ID to pick up a Participant.
F. Authorized persons must be 18 or older unless the person is 16 or older and a sibling of the
Participant.
G. Sign in/sign out sheets will be kept by the Program Site for at least three months after the
Youth Program has ended.
H. Participants may be signed out by a custodial parent, unless court paperwork is given to
Program Staff.
1. Parents may sign a form allowing their child to walk home at the end of the program.
J. Participants must be picked up by the end of the assigned Youth Program. If a child is picked
up after the end of the program,a late fee will be assessed. If a child has not been picked up
within thirty(30) minutes after the program has ended,the police will be called.
8of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
K. If an Authorized Person attempts to pick up a Participant while appearing intoxicated, staff
will ask if there is another person who can pick up the Participant. Program staff will notify
the Program Coordinator,and if necessary,staff will call 911.
L. If any unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child,staff should:
1. Call the Program Coordinator.
2. Politely inform the person that they do not have permission to release the child to
them.
3. Ask the person to leave.
4. Move the Participant at risk to another room or area.
S. Have another Program Staff in the pick-up area.
6. The Coordinator should call the original Authorized Person to inform them of the
unauthorized pick up attempt.
7. If necessary, Program Staff should call 911.
V. Discipline
A. Program Staff will execute discipline and guidance in a consistent manner based on the best
interests of Participants.
B. There will be no cruel treatment or harsh punishment(physical or verbal abuse). Examples
include,but are not limited to:
1. Using physical punishment or any action administered to the body such as, but not
limited to rough handling,or forcing child(ren)to assume an uncomfortable position.
2. Restraining movement by tying, enclosing in a confined space, shaking, or using
exercise as punishment.
3. Being verbally abusive, including, but not limited to, threats, belittling remarks,
humiliation, embarrassment, or frightening a child.
4. Giving any child the authority to punish another child.
S. Placing a child out of visual/hearing range,in the dark,or in an unventilated area.
6. Punishing a child for a toileting accident.
7. Taunting a child by or any other form of jeering.
8. Giving preferential attention to any child over another child.
C. Program Staff will use brief,supervised,separation (time out) from the group, if necessary.
9of15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
D. As necessary, Program Staff will initiate discipline reports to the Parents of Participants.
Parents will be asked to sign Participant discipline reports to indicate they have been advised
about specific problems or incidents.
1. A sufficient number and/or severe nature of discipline report(s), as detailed by the
Disciplinary Action Policy in the Program and Operations Manuals, may result in a
Participant being suspended from the Youth Program immediately. If a Participant is
suspended from the program, an Authorized Person must pick up the Participant
within one hour. If the Participant is not picked up,the police will be called.
2. Participants will be removed from the Program Site as soon as possible in instances
of danger to themselves,other Participants,or Program Staff.This includes,but is not
limited to, continuous disruption of the Youth Program, inappropriate sexual
behavior, bullying, hitting or biting other Participants or Program Staff and damage
to any City property.
E. Participants are expected to abide by program rules that include,but are not limited to:
1. Show respect to all Participants and Program Staff.
2. Bullying of any form is not allowed (cyber,physical,verbal, etc.).
3. Refrain from using abusive or foul language.
4. Refrain from causing bodily harm to self, other Participants, or Program Staff.
S. Refrain-from any inappropriate touching.
6. Bringing any toys,electronics, etc.to the Youth Program is not allowed.
7. Refrain from roughhousing in any manner.
8. Use of social media sites during camp hours is not allowed.
9. Refrain from taking photographs of any kind.
10. Respect all equipment,supplies,and facilities.
11. Responsible for cleaning up after themselves at all times.
12. Respect the property of other Participants.
13. Listening to and taking direction from all Program Staff.
14. Staying within the physical boundaries of the Program Site at all times, unless with a
Program Staff or Parent.
10 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
[Facility Vperatlo-RA
I. Inspection/Monitoring/Enforcement
A. The Coordinator of each Youth Program will perform a monthly inspection of the facility to
maintain compliance with the Standards of Care.
1. Each of Out of School Time program site will be inspected by Program Staff bi-
monthly during the school year and twice during the summer. Inspections may be
scheduled or unscheduled.
2. Facility Inspection checklist reports will be sent to the Director for review and kept
on record for at least two years.
3. The Director will review the report and establish deadlines and criteria for
compliance with the Standards of Care.
B. Complaints regarding enforcement of the Standards of Care will be directed to the
Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for taking the necessary steps to resolve
the problems. The Coordinator will record complaints regarding enforcement of the
Standards of Care and their resolution. The Director will address serious complaints
regarding enforcement of the Standards of Care and the complaints and resolutions will be
noted.
C. The Director will make an annual report on the overall status of the Youth Programs and their
operation relative to compliance with the adopted Standards of Care.
II. Program Area
A. The Youth Program's indoor space (when applicable) meets the physical,social, emotional,
and cognitive needs of Participants.
B. The Youth Program's outdoor space (when applicable) is large enough,appropriately
equipped,and safe to allow Participants to be active and independent.
C. The Youth Program's space meets the needs related to planning,activities,and storage.
D. Buildings,grounds,and equipment on the Program Site are regularly inspected, cleaned,
repaired,and maintained to protect Participants'health.
Health 0& Safety
I. Health
A. Illness or Injury
1. A Participant who is considered to be a health or safety concern to other Participants
or Program Staff will not be admitted to the Youth Program.
11 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
2. Illnesses and injuries will be handled in a manner to protect the health of all
Participants and Program Staff. Participants having a temporal fever over 100
degrees will not be allowed back into the Youth Program for 24 hours.
3. Program Staff will follow emergency procedures for injured Participants or for
Participants with symptoms of an acute illness.
4. In the event of an emergency and/or serious accident, Parents will be notified
immediately. If necessary,the local ambulance service will transport the Participant
to the nearest hospital.
5. In the case of a minor accident or injury(bumps and bruises),the Program Staff will
administer first aid,monitor the Participant,and notify the Parents at pick-up.
6. Parents will be notified if a child is injured in a way that necessitates emergency care.
7. Program Staff will follow the recommendations of the Texas Department of State
Health Services concerning the admission or readmission of any Participant after a
communicable disease, and a doctor's note will be required allowing Participant's
readmission to the program.
8. If a Participant becomes sick while in the program, Parent or Authorized Person(s)
will be notified and contact with staff must be made.within one hour to arrange pick
up. If no contact is made within one hour after initial contact by staff,the police will
be notified.
B. Program Staff will dispense and administer medication subject to the following conditions:
1. Parents must complete, sign, and submit an Authorization to Dispense or
Administer Medication detailing medication name(s), time(s) to be administered,
and dosage(s) for Participants enrolled in any program. The release will include,
among other things,a hold harmless clause to protect the City.
2. Prescription medications must bein the original containers labeled with the
Participant's name, date, directions, and the prescribing physician's name. The
prescribing physician must provide written guidelines. Program Staff will store,
dispense, and administer the medication only as stated on the label. Program Staff
will not dispense medication after the expiration date.
3. Non-prescription medications must be labeled with the Participant's name and the
date the medication was brought to the Youth Program. Non-prescription medication
must be in the original container. Program Staff will dispense and administer
medication only according to label directions and with written parental permission.
4. Except in instances where an accommodation may be necessary under the ADA,
Program Staff will be limited to dispensing and administering those medications that
do not require special knowledge, skills, or training. Medication will be properly
disposed of at the end of the program.
12 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
C. A Medication Record Form will be kept by Program Staff detailing when medication was
administered.
II. Safety
A. Program Staff will supervise Participants to ensure their safety.
B. Program Staff will inspect Program Sites daily checking for sanitation and safety concerns
that might affect the health and safety of Participants.
C. Program Site equipment and supplies will be safe for Participants use.
D. Program Staff will have first aid supplies available at each Program Site in a designated
location,during transportation,and for the duration of any off-site activity.
E. The Youth Program will ensure that all Program Staff working with participants are trained
in CPR, First,and AED.
F. Participants will have access to clean drinking water at all times.
G. Program Site air conditioners, electric fans,and heaters will be mounted out of Participant's
reach or have safeguards that keep Participants from being injured.
H. Program Site porches and platforms more than 30 inches above the ground will be equipped
with railings with the exception of performance stages.
III. Emergencies
A. Each Youth Program will have an Emergency Operations Manual that will be reviewed with
all Program Staff.
1. When applicable,staff will follow directives of the Emergency Management Office.
B. Fire
1. In case of fire, danger of fire, explosion, or other emergency, Program Staffs first
priority is to evacuate the Participants to a pre-designated safe area.
2. The Program Site will have an annual fire inspection by the local Fire Marshall, and
the resulting report will detail any safety concerns observed. The report will be
forwarded to the Director who will review it and enforce the deadline and criteria for
compliance.
3. Each Program Site will have at least one fire extinguisher approved by the Fire
Marshall readily available to all Program Staff. Fire extingushers will have annual
inspections nducted by an approved vendor.
4. All Program Staff will be trained in the proper use of the fire extinguisher.
5. Fire drills will be initiated at Program Sites based on the following schedule.
13 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
a) Out of School Time Program - Once during each program or every three
months;whichever is greater.
C. Tornados
1. Tornado warning procedures will be reviewed with all Program Staff during
orientation.
2. Tornado drills will be initiated three times annually:once during the spring,summer
and fall.
IV. Communication
A. Each remote Program Site will have a cell phone or two-way radio to allow the Program Site
to be contacted by Program Staff. Each Program Site will have access to a telephone for use
in contacting Program Staff or making emergency telephone calls.At each Program Site the
Coordinator will post the following telephone numbers adjacent to a telephone accessible to
all Program Staff:
1. City of Fort Worth ambulance or emergency medical services
2. City of Fort Worth Police Department
3. City of Fort Worth Fire Department
4. Department Administrative Office
5. Telephone numbers and address for the Program Site itself
6. Telephone number of Coordinator's office
7. Program participants'emergency contact information
8. Poison Control
V. Nutrition
A. The program will follow the Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Guidelines
when meals are provided by the City of Fort Worth Nutrition Program. Additionally, in
keeping with Healthy Eating and Physical Activity(HEPA) Standards,the program will:
1. Serve whole grain-rich products.
2. Provide plain potable water at all times at no cost to youth and staff.
3. Serve plain low-fat milk,plain or flavored nonfat milk or milk alternative limited to 8
fluid ounces per day for elementary school students and 12 fluid ounces per day for
middle and high school students.
4. Serve only 100% fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners or 100% juice
diluted with water with no added sweeteners.
14 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
EXHIBIT A
5. Serve only non-caffeinated beverages.
B. Special snacks may be provided during the program. Parents must note any food allergies on
Participant's registration form.
C. When food is provided,it comes from outside sources and the program is not able to provide
allergen or nutritional information. However, even when this information is provided,
normal kitchen operations may involve some shared cooking and preparation areas and
utensils,and the possibility exists for food items to come in contact with other food products,
including other allergens. Parents are allowed to provide children with his or her own food.
VI. Suspected Abuse
A. Program Staff will report suspected child abuse to the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services, in accordance with the Texas Family Code, telephone number, 1-800-
252-5400 or filing a report at https.11www.txabusehotline.org/LoginlWebSite Ul/Report-
anon.aspx.
B. Program Staff will receive basic training related to child abuse prevention and how to report
suspected abuse.
VII. Toilet Facilities
A. The Program Site will have toilets located and equipped so Participants can use them
independently and Program Staff can monitor as needed.
B. There will be one toilet for every 20 Participants. Urinals may be counted in the ratio of toilets
to Participants,but will not exceed 50%of the total number of toilets.
C. An adequate number of lavatories will be provided.
VIII. Sanitation
A. The indoor Program Sites must have adequate light,ventilation,air conditioning and heat.
B. The Program Site will have an adequate supply of water meeting the Texas Department of
State Health standards for drinking water. Water will be supplied to the Participants in a safe
and sanitary manner.
C. All waste matters will be kept in a leak-proof,covered container.
D. Program Staff will remove garbage from Program Sites daily.
END OF STANDARDS OF CARE
15 of 15
2018 Standards of Care
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 1/9/2018 - Ordinance No. 23069-01-2018
DATE: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 REFERENCE NO.: G-19204
LOG NAME: 80STANDARDSOFCARE-2018
SUBJECT:
Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance Establishing Standards of Care for Youth Programs in the
City of Fort Worth for 2018 (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt the attached ordinance
establishing the Standards of Care for Youth Programs in the City of Fort Worth for 2018.
DISCUSSION:
This Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is requesting that City Council adopt the attached
ordinance establishing Standards of Care (Standards) for youth programs in the City of Fort Worth for
2018. The Standards set requirements for supervision of programs for youth ages 5 through 13.
In 1995, the Texas Legislature amended Section 42.041 of the Human Resources Code to exempt
elementary aged (5 through 13) municipal youth recreation programs from the State's licensing
requirement under certain conditions. This law requires that a city annually adopt Standards by ordinance
after a public hearing. Adopted standards must be provided to the parents of each program participant
and must include, at a minimum: staffing ratios, minimum staff qualifications, minimum facility, health and
safety standards and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local standards. State law
also requires that parents be informed that the program is not licensed by the State and that the program
may not be advertised as a child care facility.
The Standards are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Fort Worth Park and
Recreation, Neighborhood Services, and other potentially affected departments will operate the City's
youth programs. In accordance with the current Standards, the director is required to make an annual
report on the overall status of the youth programs and their operation relative to compliance with the
adopted Standards.
The items listed below provide information regarding the prior year's activities:
1. Youth programs were offered at 20 community centers and three mobile sites.
2. Average ratio of participants to Staff during these programs was 15:1.
3. All Staff received a tuberculin test.
4. All Staff members at each facility were certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
5. All Staff received training on the Standards.
6. Safety inspections were completed at each facility on a weekly basis during youth programming.
The Standards of Care are in place year round. In accordance with the legislation, the Standards of Care
and Ordinance must be submitted for adoption to the City Council on an annual basis. The 2018
Standards have a few minor modifications (highlighted in the attachment) including:
Logname: 80STANDARDSOFCARE-2018 Page 1 of 2
Staffing section V(E), added child abuse detection and prevention training; Program Operations section I
(A), changed list to paragraph; Activities section II, re-organized list, added clarifying language on rest
time; section III, added language for parent permission.
At its November 15, 2017 meeting, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and endorsed
staffs recommendations to the City Council to adopt these standards.
The Standards affect programs in ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION /CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City funds.
FUND IDENTIFIERS (FIDs):
TO
Fund Department ccoun Project Program ctivity Budget Reference # moun
ID ID Year Chartfield 2
FROM
Fund Department ccoun Project Program ctivity Budget Reference # moun
ID ID Year Chartfield 2
CERTIFICATIONS:
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Susan Alanis (8180)
Originating Department Head: Richard Zavala (5704)
Additional Information Contact: Reginald Hurd (5461)
Logname: 80STANDARDSOFCARE-2018 Page 2 of 2