Skip to content
Loading map…

CATERPILLAR CARE

1001 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

CATERPILLAR CARE has been inspected 18 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 21, 2013. The most recent inspection, on April 14, 2026, found no infractions.

6 of 18 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 10 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2025. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2025. 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 once on September 10, 2021. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 December 16, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 once on May 21, 2013. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

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.

18 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. License

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • No hands drying provision provided at kitchen and employees restroom hand washing facilities, using only cloth towels, instructed not to use cloth towels. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Missing thermometer in infants refrigerator. Instructed to provide.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE ADULT WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  5. License

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE FACILITY WAS IN OPERATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • UNABLE TO LOCATE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A GREASE TRAP CONNECTED TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. License

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NO THERMOMETER INSIDE TEACHERS REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • ICE BUILD UP INSIDE TODDLER ROOM REACH IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. License

    1 infraction

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE IN MOP SINK CLOSET,MISSING WALL OUTLET COVER AND DAMAGED WALL IN TODDLERS ROOM,WATER DAMAGED SOFFIT AT WINDOWS IN INFANTS AND 2 YEAR OLD ROOMS & LOOSE WIRES AT WALL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN ELEVATOR LIFT ROOM.
  11. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. 90 DAYS GIVEN TO COMPLY.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. 90 DAYS GIVEN TO COMPLY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP IN THE WASHROOM VENT NEAR THE INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT IN THE WASHROOM NEAR THE INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  12. Canvass

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS IN THE STORAGE ROOM.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENT IN THE TOILET ROOM NEXT TO THE KITCHEN. REMOVE DIRT/DUST BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE THE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE THE SIDE STORAGE AREA. MAINTAIN SAME.
  14. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  15. License

    7 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE REFRIGERATOR OUTSIDE OF THE INFANT ROOM WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 56F AND THE REFRIGERATOR INSIDE OF THE TODDLER ROOM WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE REFRIGERATORS BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATORS. OBSERVED MILK AT 44.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 3 GALLONS OF MILK WORTH $15. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • NO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR COMMERCIAL DISHWASHING MACHINE LOCATED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EITHER A SINK OR COMMERCIAL DISHMACHINE TO WASH AND SANITIZE DISHES AND UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WITH A VALID CERTICIATE ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 28. * INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
      • NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR THE CEILING DRYWALL IN DISREPAIR IN THE INFANT ROOM.
  16. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • Pending violation at this time. See comments below
  17. License Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • Must have coolers on premises on and working at 40 F or below and freezer at 0 F or below.
    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • Not able to properly sanitize equipment or utensils. Instructed to install commercial high or low temp dish machine or install 3 compartment sink.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Adequate light not provided in prep area. Instructed to install more light.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • Toilet room door for staff must be self closing.
  18. License

    10 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • Must have coolers on premises on and working at 40 F or below and freezer at 0 F or below.
    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • Not able to properly sanitize equipment or utensils. Instructed to install commercial high or low temp dish machine or install 3 compartment sink.
    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • Must install exposed handsink in prep area.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Must provided written pest control logbook with all required documents and service invoice from licensed pest control company.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • Instructed to have city of chicago certified food manager certifcate on premises.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Must have all surfaces detailed clean and sanitized and have all equipment on premises.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor must be detailed clean through-out premises.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Must have openings in walls repaired and sealed.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Adequate light not provided in area. Instructed to install more light.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • Toilet room door for staff must be self closing.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website