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R-2014-101 2014-08-25RESOLUTION NO. R2014-101 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, adopting the updated Parks and Recreation Programming Standards of Care for youth, ages 5-13 years. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS: Section 1. That the City Council hereby approves the Standards of Care attached hereto as Exhibit "A". PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 25th day of August, A.D., 2014. ATTEST: y NG L•41 NG, 1 SEC'TARY R APPROVED AS TO FORM: DARRIN M. COKER CITY ATTORNEY TOM REID MAYOR THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE PURPOSE The following Standards of Care are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Pearland Parks and Recreation Department will operate the City's Youth Programs that program for children for a minimum of 3 hours at a time and for ages 5- 12 years. These are basic childcare regulations for programs operated by the City of Pearland. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and are not day care programs. These Standards of Care will allow the department to ensure the safety of children participating in programs. They will also enable the department to provide consistency in our delivery of service as it relates to caring for the youth of the community. The Standards of Care will be reviewed and adopted annually by Council. I. GENERAL INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION A. Organization According to the City Charter the City of Pearland is a council- manager govemment where in the elective members of Council appoints the City Manager. The elected members "City Council" enact local legislation, adopt budgets, determine policies, and appoint the City Manager who is responsible for the execution of the laws and the administration of the government of the city. B. Implementation The City Manager designates the operations and implementation of the Youth Programs Standards of Care is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department Director and designees. C. Application Services Programs to which these Standards of Care will apply are: (Ages 5-12 years for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours) • Bay Camps • After School Programs D. Access to Standards 1. Each site will have a current copy of the Standards of Care available for public and staff review. 2. Parents will be able to view the Standards of Care on- line and it will also be available upon request. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 1 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE E. Program Objectives for Youth Programs: needs. 1. Provide a variety of opportunities to leam something new that encourages growth and responsibility while discovering a new interest. II. STAFFING A. Specific Job Requirements 1. Program Supervisors Essential Job Functions 1. Leaders direct and supervise a day camp / afterschool program for ages 5-12 years. 2. Develop and implement a daily curriculum under Parks and Recreation guidelines. 3. Responsible for ensuring activities are conducted in a safe manner. 4. Responsible for all related record keeping. 5. Supervise and interact with participants in a wide variety of recreational activities. 6. Responsible for communicating needs to supervisors. 7. Interact with participants, parents, and other staff to provide a high quality program. 8. Responsible for maintaining facility appearance during and after camp / afterschool. 9. Responsible for reporting any incidents/accidents to supervisor. Minimum Qualifications 1. Must be mature, responsible, and able to complete duties with minimal supervision. 2. Must have a high school diploma or GED. 3. Must be able to communicate with the public and skilled at interacting with children. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 2 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE 4. Must be skilled in supervising children of varying age levels in a group setting. 5. Must have a valid Texas driver's license and eligible for a CDL. 6. Must pass a department criminal background check and drug screening. 7. Must have previous experience in supervising children and posses knowledge of recreational games, crafts, and activities. 8. Must have First Aid and CPR certification prior to camp start date. 9. City employees must complete departmental training. B. Criminal Background Checks Criminal Background Checks will be conducted on prospective Youth Program Employees or Contract employees. If results of the check indicate that an applicant has been convicted of any of the following offenses, he or she will not be considered for employment: 1. a felony 2. a misdemeanor pertaining to the following: • public indecency • delivery/distribution of a controlled substance • possession of a controlled substance within the last 10 years. C. Drug Screening All prospective city employees will be subject to a drug test prior to hiring. D. Minimum Staff Ratios The number of children may not exceed staff by a minimum ratio of 1 staff per 15 children, ages 5-12. E. Training 1. The Department is responsible for providing training and orientation to all program leaders in working with children and for specific job responsibilities. 2. Employees will be trained on the provision of recreation activities and games. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 3 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE 3. All leaders must be familiar with the Standards of Care for Youth Programs. 4. Program employees will be trained in appropriate procedures to handle emergencies, including first aid and CPR. 5. Leaders will be trained in City and Department policies and procedures. III. FACILITY STANDARDS A. Safety Measures 1. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility. 2. Each site will have a fully stocked first aid kit. 3. In a situation where evacuation is necessary, the first priority of staff is to make sure all participants are in a safe location. 4. All sites will be equipped with the appropriate number of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected annually to ensure they are in working order. B. Inspections 1. Program employees will inspect sites daily for a sanitation or safety concerns. Any and all concerns should be passed on to the site director immediately. A daily report will be completed and kept on file. 2. A daily inspection will be made of all equipment and supplies that will be utilized that week. C. Health and Sanitation 1. All indoor sites will have toilets located and equipped where children can use them independently and staff can supervise as needed. 2. There must be one flush toilet for every 30 children. 3. The site must have an adequate supply of water and ensure that it will be provided to participants in a safe and sanitary manner. IV. SERVICE STANDARDS A. Appearance and Behavior 1. Staff name badges and attire will be worn and clearly visible. 2. Participants and parents will be treated with respect at all times. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 4 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE B. Communication with Parents 1. Staff will keep parents continuously informed of the activities and schedules. A weekly schedule will be available for parents upon request and copies will be kept with the daily sign in sheets. 2. Staff will note details of the behavior of participants (accomplishments, discipline problems, general activities, etc.) and update parents as much as possible. C. Additional Staff Responsibilities 1. Staff will monitor the sign in/out log at all times 2. Staff will make an attempt to answer any complaints at the site and resolve all problems. Situations that cannot be resolved on site by staff will be referred to a supervisor immediately. All Complaints will be followed up on within 24 hours if they are not resolved on site. 3. Prior to beginning work each day all staff will check in the appointed location for any messages, instructions or information. V. OPERATIONAL ISSUES A. Emergency phone numbers are kept at the front desk of the facilities, as well as with the leaders supervisors on any field trips. Those numbers include fire, police and ambulance service, administration, Community Centers and all supervisors. A list of cell phone numbers will also be made available. B. A Program manual is given to every staff member. The manual will include the following: 1. Discipline Policy 2. Rules and Regulations 3. Forms 4. Standards 5. Game, activity leadership 6. Guidelines for interacting with children 7. Program Goals and Objectives 8. Departments Mission and Vision C. Sign in and out sheets will be used everyday. Only adults listed on the sign in/out release will be allowed to pick up a child. An authorized person must sign the sheet in order for staff to release the child. D. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 5 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE E. Parents will be notified regarding planned field trips and provided the required release forms. F. There will be a general staff to participant ration of 1 staff to every 15 children. Afterschool, Camp and Field Trips will vary. G. Enrollment information will be kept and maintained on each child and shall include: • Child's name, birth date, home address, home telephone number, and any phone number where parents maybe reached during the day • Parent's names, address and phone number • Names and telephone numbers of persons to whom the child can be released • Liability Waiver • Medical Information and release on participant • Field Trip /Transportation release form as needed H. Discipline 1. Discipline and guidance of children must be consistent and based on an understanding of individual needs and development. 2. There shall be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment. 3. Program employees may use brief, supervised separation from the group if necessary. 4. 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 circumstances warrant it. 5. A sufficient number and/or severe nature of discipline reports, as detailed in the Program Manual, may result in a participant being suspended from the program. 6. In instances where there is a danger to participants or staff, offending participants will be removed from the program site as soon as possible. 7. Program participants must adhere to the Parks and Recreation Department Behavior Policy. I. Illness or Injury 1. Participants who are considered to be a health or safety concem to other participants or employees will not be permitted into to the program. 2. Staff shall immediately notify the parent or other person authorized by the parent when the child is injured or has Youth Program Standards of Care Page 6 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE been involved in any situation which placed the child at risk. 3. 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. 4. Illness and injuries will be handled in a manner to protect the health of all participants and employees. 5. When injury occurs, an incident/accident report shall be filled out completely and immediately after the incident. 6. Staff shall notify parents or authorized persons of children in the facility when there is an outbreak of a communicable disease in the facility, required to be reported to the County Department of Health. Staff must notify parents of children in a group there is an outbreak of lice or other infestation in the group. J. Transportation 1. Before participants are transported to and from a City sponsored activity, a transportation release form must be completed by the parents. 2. Program staff will carry all participant information forms when away from the program site. 3. First aid supplies will be available in any vehicle transporting program participants. VI. ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING A. The program will provide activities for each group according to the participant's age, interest, and abilities. The activities should be flexible and promote the emotional, social, and educational advancement of each participant. B. Programs will include indoor and outdoor activities. C. Programs will include a balance of active and passive activities, as well as group/individual activities. D. Program supervisors will incorporate the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (NEPA) Standards that are applicable and feasible into the current Program Content. 1. Healthy Eating Standards: a. Provide plain potable drinking water. b. Provide snacks or frozen desserts that meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 7 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE c. Serve only non -caffeinated beverages Physical Activity Standards: a. Dedicate at least 20% or at least 30 minutes of morning or afterschool program time to physical activity and at least 60 minutes of a full day program. b. Provide physical activities in which youth are moderately to vigorously active for at least 50% of the physical activity time. c. Limit digital device time to less than one hour per day and digital device use is limited to homework or activities that engage youth in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. 3. Youth and Family Education Standard: a. Offer evidence -based nutrition education to youth. VII. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN A. A child is not allowed to use the telephone unless it is an emergency. In this case, staff should make the call for the child. B. Children must walk in the building. Running is only permitted in the gym or for specific activities. C. Children must respect staff, each other, and themselves. D. Children must wear shoes at all times unless otherwise directed. E. Programs in facilities where the general public has access to the facility will assign staff to remain with the youth participants at all times (bathrooms, lunch breaks, activities, etc.) Children will never be unsupervised. F. Staff must know where each and every child is AT ALL TIMES. VIII. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT A. To confirm and ensure the Standards of Care are being adhered to, each program supervisor will complete a weekly inspection report. The reports will be reviewed and filed. . Youth Program Standards of Care Page 8 THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE B. The program supervisor will review all reports and inspections. If it is determined that the site is not in compliance the Recreation Superintendent will be informed and a deadline will be set for compliance C. Complaints regarding enforcement of the Standards of Care will be directed to the program supervisor. The supervisor will be responsible to take the necessary steps to resolve the problems. Complaints will be recorded and reported to the Recreation Superintendent. The resolution to the complaint will be reported and kept on file. D. The Standards of Care will be reviewed annually and updated accordingly. City Council will be kept informed on the overall status of compliance issues when they arise. Review and Revision History Created September 2010 Updated September 2011 Last Review September 2013 Updated July 2014 Youth Program Standards of Care Page 9 C6MMIT To HEALTH Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards AA AA National Recreation ♦• and Park Association Healthy Eating Serve a fruit' or vegetable2 at every snack and meal. Serve only foods with no artificial trans fats.3 Serve only whole grain -rich products.4 Serve only non-fat or reduced fat yogurt and cheese. Serve only lean meat, skinless poultry, seafood, beans/legumes or eggs. Serve only packaged snacks or frozen desserts that meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.5 Physical Activity Dedicate at least 20% or at least 30 minutes of morning or afterschool program time to physical activity and at least 60 minutes for a full day program. 4 - Provide physical activities in which youth are moderately to vigorously12 active for at least 50% of the physical activity time. Provide plain potable water6 at all times at no cost to youth and staff. Serve only plain low-fat milk, plain or flavored nonfat milk or milk altemative2 limited to 8 fluid ounces per day for elementary school students and 12 fluid ounces per day for middle and high school students. Serve only 100% fruit or vegetable juice with s o added sweeteners or 100% juice Do not permit access to television or movies. diluted with water with no added sweeteners. Youth and Family Education Offer evidence -based nutrition education to youth. Ensure physical activity takes place outdoors whenever possible. Serve no soda, sports drinks or juice dunks° to elementary school or middle school students. Serve no full -calorie soda or full -calorie sports drinks, but may serve diet soda, low -calorie sports drinks or other low calone10 beverages to high school students. Serve only non -caffeinated beverages.' Limit digital device time to less than one hour per day and digital device use is limited to homework or activities that engage youth in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Offer evidence -based education materials about nutrition and physical activity to families through pamphlets, newsletters, email blasts or other means 1 Fruit may only be fresh; canned or frozen in water, 100% juice, extra light or light syrup; dried with no added sweeteners; or 100% fruit juice. 100% fruit juice with no added sweeteners may only be counted as a fruit/vegetable serving a maximum of two times per week. Dried fruit with a small amount of sugar added for processing/palatability, such as cranberries or tart cherries, is acceptable. Examples of added sweeteners include: sugar, com syrup, dextrose, fructose, high fructose com syrup, malt syrup, molasses and sucrose. 2 Vegetables may only be fresh, canned or frozen with no added ingredients except water or dried with no added ingredients. Products with a small amount of sugar for processing are acceptable. 3 Artifiaal trans fats are often found in fried foods, bakery products, stick margarine and shortening. Another name for trans fats is "partially hydrogenated oils". 4 Whole grain -rich products are those where the first ingredient listed is whole grain (or the second ingredient, if the first is water); the product contains 50% or more whole grains by weight; the product contains 8 grams whole grain; or the product bears the FDA approved health claim "diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers." 5 USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards can be found at: http://www.fns.usda.qov/sitesidefauttJFles/altfoods flyer,pdf 8 Incudes tap or plain bottled water. Low-fat milk refers to 1% fat. Non-fat milk refers to skim or 0% fat. Nutritionally equivalent milk alternatives (calcium and Vitamin fortified) are acceptable. 8 Diluted juice products, with no added sweetener, with or without carbonation are acceptable. Limit to 8 ounces per day for elementary school students and 12 ounces per day for middle and high school students. Sweeteners include nutritive and non-nutritive (artificial) sweeteners. Examples of added nutritive sweeteners include: sugar, com syrup, dextrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, matt syrup, molasses and sucrose. Examples of non-nutntive sweeteners include: aspartame, acesulfame-K, neotame, saccharin, sucralose and stevia. Juice dnnks include products that are not 100% juice and contain added sugars. Examples of added sugars include: sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, matt syrup, molasses and sucrose. 16 Diet beverages include those that are labeled to contain 55 calories per 8 oz. or 510 calories per 20 oz. These beverages should be limited to 20 oz. serving sizes per day. Other low calorie beverages include those that are labeled to contain s40 calcines per 8 oz. or 560 calories per 12 oz. These beverages should be limited to 12 oz. serving sizes per day. 11 Products that contain trace amounts of naturally occurring caffene are acceptable. 12 Moderate and vigorous intensity activities are activities that cause an increase in heart rate and breathing and body temperature. THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS OF CARE PURPOSE The following Standards of Care are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Pearland Parks and Recreation Department will operate the City's Youth Programs that program for children for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours at a time and for ages 5- 12 years. These are basic childcare regulations for programs operated by the City of Pearland. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and are not day care programs. These Standards of Care will allow the department to ensure the safety of children participating in programs. They will also enable the department to provide consistency in our delivery of service as it relates to caring for the youth of the community. The Standards of Care will be reviewed and adopted annually by Council. I. GENERAL INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION A. Organization According to the City Charter the City of Pearland is a council- manager government where in the elective members of Council appoints the City Manager. The elected members "City Council" enact local legislation, adopt budgets, determine policies, and appoint the City Manager who is responsible for the execution of the laws and the administration of the government of the city. B. Implementation The City Manager designates the operations and implementation of the Youth Programs Standards of Care is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department Director and designees. C. Application Services to which these Standards of Care will apply are: (Ages 5-12 years for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours) • Camps • After School Programs D. Access to Standards 1. Each site will have a current copy of the Standards of Care available for public and staff review. 2. Parents will be able to view the Standards of Care on- line and it will also be available upon request. Youth Program Standards of Care Page 1