Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-16-05 CJ!Jlpn REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE November 21,2005 Resolution #: 6 nt:J . LIt! ~ -D6 Date: Report #: CSD-16-05 File #: By-law #: Subject: HIGH FIVE QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-16-05 be received for information. eph P. Caruana Director of Community Services '-"~2 ~ Reviewed b~ '---' :cJZ1.. Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/BT/SC CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ClARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 REPORT NO.: CSD-16-05 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 High Five is a program developed and delivered through Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). It has been designed as a quality assurance program to support the safety, well being and healthy development of children 6-12 years of age in sport and recreation. 2.0 COMMENTS 2.1 Community Services Department staff has met with representatives of High Five and have reviewed the program content. Staff feel the mandate of the program will provide staff with the necessary tools to provide age-appropriate recreational and leisure programs as well as offer residents assurances they are receiving quality program value. As such, the Community Services Department applied for membership in the PRO High Five program and will initiate implementation of the PRO High Five Program this fall. 2.2 High Five is committed to assisting children along the path of healthy development through: . Developing and maintaining a high level of knowledge and expertise in child development among recreation and sport practitioners . Assisting parents with making informed choices . Providing practitioners with the tools for enhancing and maintaining a high level of quality 2.3 The program is based on the premise that a child's development is best supported when they are in a program that provides them with: . A caring leader . The opportunity to play . Encouragement to make friends . Skill development . Participation All delivered in an environment which is safe, diverse and unique and developmentally appropriate. REPORT NO.: CSD-16-05 PAGE 3 2.4 Evidence has shown that participation in the High Five Program has numerous benefits including: . Increased customer satisfaction . Improved staff morale and retention . Enhanced revenue generation through increased registration . Access to training opportunities for part time and full time staff 2.5 The High Five program will be introduced to staff through the following implementation strategy: . In late September, High Five trainers conducted a four hour Implementation Workshop for senior Community Services staff to provide an overview and understanding of the program and to discuss common barriers and opportunities in implementing the program. . All part time recreation program staff will be encouraged to complete "The Principles of Healthy Childhood Development" workshop. This is a seven hour workshop which is designed specifically for front line staff. The completion of this workshop will become a prerequisite for employment for all part time recreation program staff effective in the summer of 2006. This certification prerequisite would be similar to certification prerequisites presently required for Aquatic and Fitness part time staff and would ensure an enhanced level of customer service for our clients. To accommodate this, the workshop would be offered to incumbent staff early in the new year and another workshop would be offered in the spring for potential new summer staff. 2.6 The Aquatic staff from across Durham Region have initiated discussions with the Red Cross Society to have High Five specific training phased in through the revised Red Cross Instructor Certification. 2.7 When the program is fully implemented the Community Services Department will have High Five certified staff delivering youth programs in all facets of recreation and leisure programming.