Title
Ordinance - Third and Final Reading of an Ordinance Setting Forth the Standards of Care for the Recreation Department’s Kids Zone 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 youth day camp program, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm at the Mansfield Activities Center and/or MISD schools.
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 youth day camp activities during school holidays. 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
817-804-5797