Skip to content
Loading map…

CATERPILLAR CARE

1701 W CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Daycare Above and Under 2 Years

Inspection summary

CATERPILLAR CARE has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 19, 2016. The most recent inspection, on October 1, 2025, recorded 10 infractions.

5 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2025. For example: PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 14, 2025. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 October 1, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, disinfectants and pesticides must be labelled and stored safely, away from food and from surfaces people touch. Inspectors flag chemicals that could contaminate food or harm people, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on April 19, 2016. For example: DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

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.

14 inspections

  1. License

    10 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN STAFF TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1LBS. CHICKEN ALFREDO SAUCE AT 129.2F INSIDE A CAMBRO.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 1LBS. $.6(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1/2 GALLON OF MILK AT 46.4F.INSIDE OF REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AND 1LBS. DICED WATERMELON AT 56.7F .INSIDE OF MILK CRATE PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 5.3LBS $8.25.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF SMALL REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AT 46.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:[email protected].(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN STAFF TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE SPIDER WEBS FROM UPPER WINDOW SILLS IN BUTTERFLIES ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT FROM WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN BUTTERFLIES AND CATERPILLARS ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING IN BUTTERFLIES ROOM AND HOLE IN LOWER WALL BEHIND SMALL REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOP SINK CLOSET & ART CLOSET.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B;3) OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2612220, DATED FEBRUARY 14, 2025, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO #48 SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED IN ONE COMPARTMENT, ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED IN ONE COMPARTMENT, ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER IN THE KITCHEN OF THE FACILITY. HOT WATER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK REACHED A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 106 F BEFORE RAPIDLY DROPPING TO 83 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER REACHES A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110 F FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. HOT WATER WAS RESTORED BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
  5. License

    1 infraction

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE DISHES (BOTTLES AND UTENSILS) THEN PROCEED TO SET DISHES ON DRYING RACK WITHOUT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES ARE SANITIZED AFTER CLEANING. MANAGER INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO USE SANITIZER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
  6. License

    2 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-012.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (MILK AND ALMOND MILK BEING SERVED FOR SNACKS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CITY CERTIFIFED MANAGER ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. License

    1 infraction

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. RECEPTACLE MUST HAVE COVER/LID FOR SANITARY ITEMS.
  9. License

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AN UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP AT THE CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PROIRITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED THE VENT COVER IN THE KITCHEN DUSTY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE DUST.
  12. License

    0 infractions

  13. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. License

    7 infractions

    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT PROVIDED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN TO BE ABLE TO CHECK SANITIZER SOLUTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • NO COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE PROVIDED ON PREMISES, INSTALLED IS A HOME DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE OR REMOVE IT FROM PREMISES. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • WOOD SHELF UNDER THE HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP SINK SURFACE IS POROUS. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • HOLE ON WALLS INSIDE THE REAR STORAGE AREA ACROSS FROM EXIT DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO BE ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REAR WASHROOM IS CLUTTER WITH MATERIALS STORED ON FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MATERIAL FROM WASHROOM.REAR STORAGE AREA ACROSS FROM EXIT DOOR WITH BOXES ON FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A RAISED SHELVES 6"OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 70. NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
      • NO 'NO SMOKING' SIGNS PROVIDED/POSTED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND POST THEM.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website