Title
A. Conduct a public hearing regarding the Parks and Recreation Department Youth Programs Standards of Care.
B. Consider an ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 4473 in its entirety and adopting a revised Parks and Recreation Department Youth Programs Standards of Care.
Body
The Parks and Recreation Department operates youth recreation programs at the recreation centers after regular school hours and when school is not in session. These programs provide a constructive recreational experience and reduce the number of school-aged children left without adult supervision.
State law exempts municipal youth programs from many of the standards regulating day cares provided that the municipality completes certain required procedures. The municipality must develop a set of operating policies and regulations called the "Standards of Care" policy. A public hearing and formal adoption of the standards is required annually. In addition, staff must provide a copy of these Standards of Care to the parents of each participant in any City youth recreation program. The City may not advertise the program as a "child-care" facility or program and parents must be informed that the State of Texas does not license the City of Mesquite to provide "child-care" programs that qualify for the IRS Child Care Tax Credit.
The Youth Programs Standards of Care are similar to those in several area cities and have been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney's office. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has also been briefed on the purpose and requirements of the proposed Standards of Care and supports them as submitted.
The Youth Programs Standards of Care were last adopted on March 20, 2017, by Ordinance No. 4473, following a public hearing. This year, the standards were revised to include a non-discrimination policy that formalizes compliance with ADA standards. Other revisions include the addition of a policy for reporting abuse and neglect and use of personal electronics...
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