Consideration of Ordinance No. 8240. This item is a second and final reading of an ordinance adopting the 2026 Standards of Care for recreational care programs administered by the Parks and Recreation Department as required by Texas Human Resources Code section 42.041 (b)(14); and providing an effective date.

Ordinance No. 8240 adopts the 2026 Standards of Care for recreational programs administered by the City of Amarillo's Parks and Recreation Department. This ordinance is a second and final reading, as required by Texas Human Resources Code section 42.041(b)(14), to exempt these programs from state child-care licensing requirements. The standards cover general administration, staffing qualifications and responsibilities, training, operations, and facility standards. Key aspects include:

• Staffing Ratios: The standard ratio is no more than 20 participants per program employee, though some programs have voluntarily adhered to lower ratios (e.g., 10:1 at Warford Activity Center, 7:1 at the Zoo).
• Staff Qualifications: Requirements include background checks, specific age minimums (15 for attendants, 16 for coordinators), CPR/First Aid certification, and annual child care training (8 hours).
• Parental Notification: Parents must be informed that the programs are not state-licensed child-care facilities and acknowledge this understanding during registration.
• Inspections and Enforcement: Annual site inspections and monthly visual inspections are mandated, with a process for documenting and resolving complaints.
• Safety and Health: Standards address facility safety, fire and tornado drills, illness/injury protocols, medication administration limitations, and sanitation.
• Program Scope: The standards apply to youth programs (ages 5-13) held at the Charles E. Warford Activity Center, Amarillo National Tennis Center, and designated City Park sites.