Skip to content
Loading map…

BUBBLES ACADEMY

2184 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60614 · Daycare Above and Under 2 Years

Inspection summary

BUBBLES ACADEMY has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 2, 2017. The most recent inspection, on November 13, 2025, found no infractions.

3 of 12 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

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 the people in care. Higher-risk findings are the ones that could directly make someone sick, and they matter more here because young children, older adults and people who are unwell are more vulnerable to infection.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hand hygiene is the most important way to stop germs spreading between children, residents and staff. Inspectors check that sinks are stocked and easy to reach, that staff wash their hands when required (for example after diapering or before handling food), and that sick staff stay away from work.

    Recorded 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 16, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 15, 2023. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 27, 2022. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 October 16, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be clean and in good repair, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate health risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 13 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on October 16, 2024. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

12 inspections

  1. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT KITCHEN HANDWASH SINK AND NORTHWEST WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NOTED FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BINS IN KITCHEN WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAMES OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED FLOORS BETWEEN WALL AND CLOTHES DRYER NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CLUTTER IN ALL STORAGE CLOSETS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR NOT ON PROPER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER BY REMOVING ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING OF A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND FOR ALL KEPT ITEMS.
  3. License

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INTERIOR OF THE KITCHEN MICROWAVE OVEN WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED WALLS IN THE KITCHEN BEHIND THE METAL GARBAGE CANS WITH PEELING PAINT AND DAMAGED PLASTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:WE OBSERVED DELIVERED SALSA(FOR LUNCH FOR CHILDREN) STORED INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 50F TO 51.6F. COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE MNAGER.POUND 2,VALUE 5. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • STORED UTENSILS MUST INVERTED ON TOP THE COUNTER BY THE HOT HOLDING UNIT TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CUTTING BOARD WITH EXCESS CUTS AND BROWN SURFACE,REPAIR/REPLACE
  5. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. License

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER WITHIN REFRIGERATOR AND NO THERMOMTER WITHIN SMALL STAFF REFIGERATOR IN BREAK ROOM. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS IN REFRIGERATION UNITS.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED WATERPROOF HIGH-TEMPERATURE IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMTER OR HIGH-TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS NEEDED FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS AND ROLLER CARTS WITH FOOD CRUMBS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTDOOR COMPOST RECEPTACLES STORED TOO CLOSE TO REAR EXIT THAT LEADS TO FOOD PREP AREA. MOVE COMPOST RECEPTACLES AWAY FROM REAR EXIT TO DETER FLY ENTRY INTO FACILITY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AREA TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF DISHWASHER FLOOR UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS STORED OUTSIDE KITCHEN PREP AREA ON TABLES IN HALLWAY AREA IS UNDER CEILING THAT IS NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. FOOD NEEDS TO BE STORED WITHIN THE PREP AREA UNDER CEILINGS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MOVE ALL FOOD PREP AND HOT HOLDING WITHIN THE KITCHEN WITH SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE CEILINGS.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • BROKEN HANDLE AT REFRIGERATOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, SUCH AS STRIPS/STICKERS OR THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • EXCESS DRY FOOD AT TOP PART OF THE MICROWAVE, ALSO CLEAN SPILLAGE AT LAST SHELF INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ONE COMPARTMENT SINK,BESIDE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOT CLEANABLE ROUGH AND UNEVEN CEILING WALL IN THE PREP AREA.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
  8. License

    4 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT (DISPOSAL MOP HEAD, SINGLE USE GLOVES, FACE MASK AND APPROVED CHEMICAL SANITIZER)/ ON SITE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO STEM THERMOMETER/PROBE ON SITE TO DETERMINE/MONITOR THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS) ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ENSURE STEM THERMOMETER/PROBES ARE ON SITE AND ACCESSIBLE TO DETERMINE/MONITOR THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY, REPORT #2232508, NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER, FROM 10/30/18. AT TIME OF INSPECTION INSPECTION SUMMARY WAS LOCATED INSIDE FOLDER INSIDE OF OFFICE FILING CABINET AND NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. INFORMED MANGER THAT INSPECTION SUMMARY MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION# 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(N) THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR TO HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 BACKFLOW PREVENTER NOT LOCATED AT THE SERVICE SINK INSIDE UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION FANS INSIDE STAFF WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.
  10. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(N) THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR TO HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-501.112(A:1&2) OBSERVED A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. THE FINAL RINSE SANITIZER IS READING 127.F. PREMISES HAS NO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS. MUST USE 100% DISPOSABLE SERVICES UNTIL MACHINE IS FIXED. MUST REPAIR MACHINE AND MUST HAVE FINAL RINSE OF 180.F. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025.COS CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 BACKFLOW PREVENTER NOT LOCATED AT THE SERVICE SINK INSIDE UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION FANS INSIDE STAFF WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.
  11. License

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED INSULATION ON WALL VENT NEAR FRONT DOOR, INSTRUCTED TO SHAVE EXCESS INSULATION FROM VENT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOORS NOT CLEAN IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; SPRINKLER ROOM INSIDE THE GARDEN ROOM, AND INSIDE ELECTRICAL ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WALLS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF PAINT, AND INSTALL WALL BASE IN THE SPRINKLER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FINISH PAINTING, REPAIR WALL BASE, AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL MINIMUM OF A 1 COMPARTMENT RINSE/PREP SINK IN DISHMACHINE AREA, DESIGNATE EXISTING SINK FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. OBSERVED A SLOW DRAIN AT THE HAND SINK IN THE MENS TOILET ROOM. ALSO, PLUMBERS PUTTY FOUND IN BOTH WATER FOUNTAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK, REPLACE PLUMBERS PUTTY WITH A NON TOXIC MATERIAL, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER IN REAR LEFT BY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, AND MAINTAIN.
  12. License

    0 infractions

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website