Richardson council adopts standards of care for Parks & Recreation child and youth programs

The Richardson City Council on March 23 adopted two ordinances setting local standards of care for early childhood development and youth day-camp programs operated by the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Staff said the rules are required so the city’s recreation programs can maintain an exemption from Department of Family and Protective Services licensing. Peyton Fowler, the department’s recreation and day-camp coordinator, told the council the draft ordinances include minimum staffing ratios, staff qualifications, facility health and safety requirements and procedures for informing parents that programs are not licensed childcare facilities.

Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider moved to adopt the early-childhood ordinance; Councilmember Arffin seconded. After no public comments at the hearing, the motion passed unanimously with a 6–0 vote (Councilmember Justice briefly stepped away). The council followed the same procedure and vote for the youth-program ordinance later in the meeting.

City staff said the ordinances set the minimum local standards required by state rules to preserve the municipal exemption; parents must be provided the standards for each participant. Staff noted that the city will monitor compliance and that changes to programs could require updated notifications to the Department of Family and Protective Services.

The council’s action takes effect upon publication in accordance with city ordinance procedures.