Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance adopting local standards of care for youth recreational programs operated by the City and provide for emergency passage. Funding: this item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Austin Parks and Recreation.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
March 27, 2025 - Council approved Ordinance No.20250327-073, the Local Standards of Care for 2025.
For More Information:
Christa McCarthy, Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation, 512-974-3903.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
March 23, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board.
Additional Backup Information:
The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services administers state regulations and general licensing procedures for all child-care facilities. Pursuant to Texas Human Resources Code § 42.041, the City is exempt from child-care licensure for elementary-age (ages 5-13) recreation programs if the Council conducts a public hearing and adopts local standards of care by ordinance each year. The ordinance must include minimum staffing ratios, minimum staff qualifications, minimum facility, health, and safety standards, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local standards. The parents or guardians of all program participants must be provided with a copy of the local standards of care and be informed that the program is not licensed by the state. Further, the program may not be advertised as a child-care facility.
If approved, the City will be in compliance with the state’s licensure exemption requirements for youth recreational programs.