Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance No. 3955 relative to the Farmers Branch Youth Programs Standards of Care in compliance with the Texas Human Resource Code, Chapter 42.041(b)(14); and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Parks and Recreation Department
BACKGROUND:
Since 1991, the City has run an all-day camp called the Summer Funshine Program (SFP). SFP is held at the Community Recreation Center from the day after school is out for summer until the day before school resumes in the fall.
In 1994, State law required the City’s youth programs to be licensed as daycare programs. During the 1995 legislative session, State Legislators enacted Senate Bill 212, exempting municipal youth recreation programs from childcare licensing requirements. The Senate Bill is reflected in the Texas Human Resource Code, Chapter 42.041(b)(14), establishing requirements to exempt recreational programs operated by municipalities for elementary age (5-13) children from state childcare licensing requirements, provided the governing body of the municipality annually adopts Standards of Care by ordinance after a public hearing.
DISCUSSION:
Since the enactment of Senate Bill 212, the City has followed the process of being exempt from State Childcare Licensing requirements. To receive exempt status for a youth recreational program, a municipality must annually adopt Standards of Care by ordinance after a public hearing. The Parks and Recreation Department will submit a copy of the program standards, a notice of the public hearing, and a copy of the ordinance adopting the Standards for the State.
The City’s Youth Programs are operated in accordance with the adopted Standards of Care. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and are not daycare programs. On average, approximately 250 youth register for the summer program. Activities include sports, art, reading, field trips, swimming, and weekly themed activities.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3955 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3955, with modifications.
3. I move to table this issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3955
2. Standards of Care
3. Presentation