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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!License 4062153761 citation on this visit
1 citation recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 4/7/25, at 1:50PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shane Loftus conducted an unannounced Annual/Random Inspection of the above-mentioned Family Child Care Home (FCCH). LPA met with Karen Ames, Licensee of the FCCH and explained the purpose of the inspection. LPA, in the company of the Licensee, toured the interior and exterior of the FCCH. The playroom (converted garage), garage restroom, and outdoor yard are used for child care, while the remainder of the home is excluded. LPA notes there are no children present at the time of inspection. LPA observed the FCCH to be clean and orderly. The bathroom which is used for care is clean and free of toxins. LPA observed cleaning compounds and sharps in a secure cabinet in the playroom. LPA notes medications in the FCCH are stored in an interior bathroom which is inaccessible to children in care. Toys, furniture and equipment in the FCCH are age appropriate. LPA observed required licensing forms and documents are posted on the wall in playroom. LPA observed a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector affixed to the playroom ceiling. The detector was tested at 2:00 PM and found to be operable. LPA observed a regulation fire extinguisher in the FCCH which was serviced on 7/17/24. LPA reminded the Licensee to either service or purchase a regulation fire extinguisher annually. LPA reviewed the home\342\200\231s fire/disaster drill log with the most recent fire drill occurring on 2/6/25. The FCCH's outdoor play area's footing is comprised of various surfaces. Toys and play equipment observed in outdoor play area are age appropriate. The outdoor area is not enclosed by fencing. LPA reminded Licensee to maintain direct supervision of children when activities occur in the FCCH's outdoor area. Cont. on 809-C LPA observed a water feature (fountain) on site with less than two inches of water. Licensee is reminded to ensure the water level of the water feature remains at or below the level noted. LPA observed a child safety gate at the base of the outdoor stair well which serves are a barricade to the home's upper story. LPA reviewed a sampling of the children records. All records reviewed are current and complete. Children's record's included emergency contact forms and immunization records amongst other required licensing documents. LPA also reviewed the Licensee's records. At 2:30 PM, LPA notes licensee\342\200\231s Mandated Reporter training expired on 7/21/24. The remainder of the Licensee's records are current and complete with Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications expiring in 7/14/25 (EMSA approved). Licensee is reminded to ensure training and certifications are renewed prior to expirations. Licensee informed LPA no firearms or ammunition are stored on site. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing IMS must be submitted to the Department. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a licensed Family Child Care Home. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day for a maximum of 5 days or, if the penalty is for a repeat violation, for a maximum of 30 days per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated. During the exit interview, Licensee confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS. Continued on 809-C Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout Cali fornia. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided. Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience. If you have any questions regarding the process or CARE tools, please send email inquiries to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . A Type B Deficiency is being cited based on LPA\342\200\231s record review pursuant to Title 22 of the CA Code of Regulations and Health and Safety Code (refer to LIC 809-D). Licensee was provided a copy of their Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Licensee Karen Ames. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Citations

1 citation recorded*CCLD

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to children. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

  • ARTICLE 2. Administration of Child Day Care Licensing

    Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that licensee's Mandated Reporter training expired in July of 2024. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the April 7, 2025 inspection of AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!?

This was a inspection inspection of AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE! on April 7, 2025. 1 citation were issued: 1 Type B.

Were any citations issued to AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE! on April 7, 2025?

Yes, 1 citation was issued (0 Type A, 1 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that licensee's Mandated Reporter tr..."

What type of inspection was this?

This was a inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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