Title
Ordinance - Third and Final Reading of an Ordinance Setting Forth the Standards of Care for the Recreation Department's Summer Youth Program for the City of Mansfield; Providing for the Operational Standards of the Administration for the Program; Providing for the Inspecting, Monitoring, and Enforcement of the Standards of Care; Providing for the Staffing Levels, Training and Responsibilities for Those Working in the Program; Providing for Facility Standards; Providing for a Cumulative Clause; Providing for a Severability Clause; Providing for an Effective Date
Requested Action
Approve Ordinance Adopting the "Standards of Care"
Recommendation
Adopt Ordinance establishing the "Standards of Care" that will allow the Recreation Department to offer a summer day camp program, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm for youth ages 6-11 years at the Mansfield Activities Center
Description/History
In 1995, during the 74th State Legislation Session, Senate Bill 212 was passed. This Bill exempts certain youth programs from child-care licensing requirements including elementary-age (ages 5-13) recreation programs operated by a municipality.
The governing body of the municipality must annually adopt "Standards of Care" by ordinance after a public hearing. The ordinance shall include staffing ratios, staff qualifications, facility, health, and safety standards, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local standards; and further provide 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.
Justification
The Recreation Department will be able to offer structured and staff-supervised summer day camp activities for youth ages 6-11. This program will consist of indoor and outdoor activities that will help build self-esteem, develop creativity, encourage teamwork and promote good sportsmanship.
Funding Source
N/A
Prepared By
Andrew Binz, Recreation Superintendent, Community Services
817-804-5795