Skip to content
Loading map…

BRAIN BOX LITERACY ACADEMY AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

9304-9308 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

BRAIN BOX LITERACY ACADEMY AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICE has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 21, 2016. The most recent inspection, on May 26, 2026, found no infractions.

1 of 13 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their findings differently, so we group them by what they mean for your health. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food, supplies and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 7, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Surfaces, dishes and tools that touch food or people must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected. Inspectors check sanitizer strength, dishwasher temperatures and how cleaning is done. Poor sanitizing lets germs survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 19, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are one of the main ways germs spread, from person to person and onto food and surfaces. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing their hands when required, and sick staff being kept away from work where it matters. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on June 7, 2021. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food and other products must come from approved sources, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when spoiled, expired or damaged. Labelling also matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on June 8, 2020. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Inspectors check that anything that has to be kept at a set temperature, such as chilled or hot food, or equipment like sterilizers, stays in its safe range and that accurate thermometers are on hand. With food, temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning.

    Recorded once on June 21, 2016. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

13 inspections

  1. License

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN THE UTILITY CLOSET; REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENT IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE STOVE TO REMOVE DUST.
  3. License

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SHELVING UNITS & SHOE CUBBIES IN BRAINIACS ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN BRAINIACS ROOM AND HOT WATER TANK ROOMS.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULK FROM UNDERNEATH MOPSINK TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE, REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOPSINK CLOSET.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND THE HAND SINK AND THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
  5. License

    3 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN BRAINIACS AND TODDLER ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CAULKING ALONG WALLS AND WALL BASES IN MAIN PREP AREA, BABY EINSTEIN ROOM, NORTH REAR DOOR, AND MOP SINK CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO SHAVE TO ENSURE SMOOTH SURFACE. MAKE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT CLASSROOMS, IN MOP SINK CLOSET, UNUSED TOILET ROOM STORAGE AREA, AND MAIN PREP KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS, AWAY FROM WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALL NEAR REAR DOOR, AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLET IN CLASSROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN ALL AREAS.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER(84.5F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM IN SOUTH CLASSROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 100F WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE CABINET UNDER PAINT IN SOUTH CLASSROOM, 20 MICE DROPPING SCATTERED INSIDE CABINETS UNDER SINK AND COUNTER IN INFANT ROOM, 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, WARMER, AND KEURIG MACHINE IN PREP AREA, 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON WATER HEATER AND FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM, 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN OFFICE, 5 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN NORTHWEST CORNER BEHIND PAINT SHELVING UNIT IN CLASSROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALL NEAR REAR DOOR, AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLET IN CLASSROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN ALL AREAS.
  8. License

    5 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN CABINET WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2" GAP ALONG TOP OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN BRAINIAC ROOM AND LEAKY FAUCET HANDLES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE IN REAR TOILET ROOM,GAP IN BETWEEN WALL AND TRIM IN REAR TOILET ROOM,CEILING IN POOR REPAIR IN FURNACE/PAPER GOODS STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE EXCESS CAULKING AROUND WALLS AND FIXTURES IN TOILET ROOM.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN BRAINIAC CLASS ROOM.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DOES NOT HAVE A DRAINBOARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE KITCHE AND IN THE REAR MECHANICAL/STORAGE ROOM WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. License

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED FOR TOILET COVER IN GIRLS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE TOILET COVER MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED/UNTREATED WOOD SURFACE WITH BROKEN TILES INSIDE CABINET UNDER THE HANDSINK IN INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED HOLE BEHIND TOILET BOWL IN GIRL'S REST ROOM NEAR THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
  12. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE UTILITY SINK LEAKING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  13. License

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15-20 LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AREAS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO ELIMINATE THE ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 26. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
      • OBSERVED LOW COLD WATER PRESSURE AT THE STUDENT RESTROOM WASHBOWL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD BASEBOARDS IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE UTILITY SINK LEAKING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • OBSERVED NO DIAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DIAL STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF FOOD.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT OR PUT INTO USE.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website