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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 406215376
Report Date: 04/07/2025
Date Signed: 04/07/2025 03:05:28 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/07/2025 03:05 PM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME:AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!FACILITY NUMBER:
406215376
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		KAREN LYNN AMESFACILITY TYPE:
810
ADDRESS:TELEPHONE:
(805) 239-9333
CITY:ARROYO GRANDESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93420
CAPACITY: 14TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 14CENSUS: 0DATE:
04/07/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
01:50 PM
MET WITH:Karen AmesTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
03:20 PM
NARRATIVE
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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’s 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

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Shane Loftus
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/07/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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California Health & Human Services Agency
California Department of Social Services

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT California law requires a public report of each licensing visit/inspection. This report is a record for the facility and the licensing agency. This report is available for public review; therefore, care is taken not to disclose personal or confidential information. Inquiries concerning the location, maintenance, and contents of these reports may be directed to the Licensing Program Analyst or Regional Office whose address and telephone number are listed on the front of this form.

DEFICIENCIES A deficiency is an instance of noncompliance with licensing requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, interim licensing standards, operating standards, and written directives. Applicants/ licensees must be notified in writing of all licensing deficiencies. Deficiencies are listed on the left side of this form, and the applicable licensing requirement upon which the deficiency is identified. There are two types of deficiencies:
  • Type A deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, if not corrected, have a direct and immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care.
  • Type B deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, without correction, could become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care, a recordkeeping violation that could impact the care of said persons and/or protection of their resources, or a violation that could impact those services required to meet the needs of persons in care.

PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs) The licensing agency is required to establish a reasonable length of time to correct a deficiency. In order to set the time, the licensing agency must take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, the number of persons in care involved, and the availability of equipment and personnel necessary to correct the violation. Applicants/licensees are requested to provide a specific plan for each violation on the right side of the form across from each deficiency. The more specific the plan, the less chance exists for any misunderstanding in setting time limits and reviewing corrections. The applicant/licensee who encounters problems beyond their control in completing the corrections within the specified time frame may request and may be granted an extension of the correction due date by the licensing agency.

CORRECTION NOTIFICATION The applicant/licensee is responsible for completing all corrections and promptly notifying the licensing agency of corrections. Applicants/licensees are advised to keep a dated copy of any correspondence sent to the licensing agency concerning corrections, or if corrections are telephoned to the licensing agency, the date, person contacted, and information given.

CIVIL PENALTIES The licensing agency is required by law to issue a Penalty Notice, when applicable, to all facilities holding a license issued by the licensing agency, or subject to licensure, except Certified Family Homes, Resource Families, and Foster Family Homes, or any governmental entity.

PENALTY NOTICE GIVEN The statement concerning civil penalties serves as a penalty notice on this Licensing Report and failure to correct cited licensing deficiencies will result in civil penalties. Applicants/ licensees are required to pay civil penalties when administrative appeals have been exhausted and in accordance with any payment arrangements made with the licensing agency.

APPEAL RIGHTS The applicant/licensee has a right without prejudice to discuss any disagreement in this report with the licensing agency concerning the proper application of licensing requirements. The applicant/ licensee may request a formal review by the licensing agency to amend or dismiss the notice of deficiency and/ or civil penalty. Requests for review shall be made in writing within 15 business days of receipt of a deficiency notification or civil penalty assessment. Licensing deficiencies may be appealed pursuant to the procedures in the LIC 9058 Applicant/Licensee Rights.

AGENCY REVIEW The licensing agency review of an appeal may be conducted based upon information provided in writing by the applicant/licensee. The applicant/licensee may request an office meeting to provide additional information. The applicant/licensee will be notified in writing of the results of the agency review within 60 business days of the date when all necessary information has been provided to the licensing agency.

EMAIL REQUIREMENT Adult Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are required to provide and maintain an active email address of record with the licensing agency.

LIC809 (FAS) - (09/23)
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Document Has Been Signed on 04/07/2025 03:05 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Shane Loftus On 04/07/2025 at 02:40 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!
FACILITY NUMBER: 406215376

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/07/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1596.8662(b)(1)
Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
(1) On or before March 30, 2018, a person who, on January 1, 2018, is a licensed child day care provider, administrator, or employee of a licensed child day care facility shall complete the mandated reporter training provided pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and shall complete renewal mandated reporter training every two years following the date on which he or she completed the initial mandated reporter training.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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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.
POC Due Date: 04/21/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will submit proof of current Mandated Reporter training (AB1207) to CCLD (shane.loftus@dss.ca.gov) by 4/21/25.
Section Cited
Deficient Practice Statement
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POC Due Date:
Plan of Correction
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Shane Loftus
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/07/2025


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!
FACILITY NUMBER: 406215376
VISIT DATE: 04/07/2025
NARRATIVE
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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’s 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

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Shane Loftus
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/07/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: AMES FAMILY CHILD CARE AKA THINKERY-OUTSIDE!
FACILITY NUMBER: 406215376
VISIT DATE: 04/07/2025
NARRATIVE
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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 California.

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’s 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.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Shane Loftus
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/07/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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