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CONNECTING THE DOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER

7946 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

CONNECTING THE DOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 20, 2018. The most recent inspection, on October 16, 2024, found no infractions.

2 of 8 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: Pests, 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.

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 24, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 14, 2022. 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 25, 2021. 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 once on September 20, 2018. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 32 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 24, 2022. 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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TO BE TIGHT FIGHT FITTING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CONTINUE TO FIX GAPS AND OPENINGS IN WALLS IN TOILET ROOMS,FURNACE ROOM AND CLASS ROOMS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Violation Codes: 6-304.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE VENTILATION IN BOY'S TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING.
  4. License

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINKS IN GIRL'S TOILET ROOM RANGING FROM 74.1F-76.8F AND NO RUNNING WATER AT 1ST. HAND SINK IN CLASS ROOM AND NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT LAST SINK IN BOY'S TOILET ROOM.MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM OF 100.0F.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON LID OF GREASE TRAP AND ON FLOOR BEHIND GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMPARTMEMNT SINK,ON FLOOR AND LOWER VANITY OF HAND SINK IN STAFF TOILET ROOM,ON CART CAN AND WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR BEHIND FILE CABINET IN HALL WAY,BEHIND VACUUM CLEANERS,ON FLOOR IN CLOSET,INSIDE OF CABINET AND ON GAME SHELVING UNITS IN CLASS ROOM,IN FRONT VESTIBULE IN WINDOW SILLS AND ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.ALSO. EVIDENCE OF 5- LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS IN GIRL'S TOILET ROOM. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/14/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRONT EXTERIOR BRICKS WITH GAPS AND HOLES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TO BE TIGHT FIGHT FITTING.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW COLD WATER PRESSURE AT MIDDLE HAND SINK IN BOY'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE VENTILATION IN BOY'S TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FOR REPORT #2485174 2/25/21 NOT CORRECTED#51- MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK.#53- OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM NEAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.#55- MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN TORN CARPET IN ALL CLASS ROOMS WHERE NEEDED.#55- OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND, ALONG WALLS AND CEILINGS IN SOUTH FURNACE ROOM, MIDDLE FURNACE ROOM AND WASHROOM AREA, OPENINGS IN WALLS BEHIND SHELVING UNIT AND FURNACE ROOM IN NORTH CLASSROOM, MOLD ON WALLS IN NORTH FURNACE ROOM.#55- OBSERVED MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN.#56- MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE VENTILATION NOT WORKING ABOVE STOVE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  5. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON SHELVING UNITS IN STORAGE CLOSETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST RECONNECT PIPE UNDER MOP SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM NEAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENT IN HALLWAY NEAR REFRIGERATOR. OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN COT STORAGE CLOSET AND FURNACE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,HOLE AROUND PIPE LEADING INTO WALL AT FRONT WINDOW IN CLASS ROOM.MUST FINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN TORN CARPET IN ALL CLASS ROOMS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE, REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS, FURNACE ROOMS, CLOSETS, BREAK ROOM,ETC.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS BEHIND SLIDING DOOR COOLER NEAR KITCHEN, OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ALONG WALLS AND CEILINGS IN SOUTH FURNACE ROOM, MIDDLE FURNACE ROOM AND WASHROOM AREA, OPENINGS IN WALLS BEHIND SHELVING UNIT AND FURNACE ROOM IN NORTH CLASSROOM, MOLD ON WALLS IN NORTH FURNACE ROOM, PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN BOYS WASHROOM,. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE VENTILATION NOT WORKING ABOVE STOVE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PIC DOESN'T HAVE NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW ONLY A PHOTO COPY POSTED.MUST PROVIDE A VAILD CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW ONLY A PHOTO COPY POSTED.MUST PROVIDE A VAILD CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)( CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS WATER TEMPERATURES IN FRONT KIDS TOILET ROOM AT 53.8F,55.5F & 83.4F AND REAR KIDS TOILET ROOM 2ND SINK AT 46.7F AND 3RD SINK 50.2F. MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 100.0F FOR HAND WASHING.MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND TOILETS IN KIDS FRONT TOILET ROOM.ALSO,APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELF INSIDE OF CLOSET,IN CLASS ROOM STORAGE CABINET,ON LOWER SHELF OF POT & PAN STORAGE,ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE & SHELF IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE IN BREAK ROOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 12/21/20.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST RECONNECT PIPE UNDER MOP SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,HOLE AROUND PIPE LEADING INTO WALL AT FRONT WINDOW IN CLASS ROOM.MUST FINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN TORN CARPET IN ALL CLASS ROOMS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN KIDS TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS,FURNACE ROOMS,CLOSETS,BREAK ROOM,ETC.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE VENTILATION NOT WORKING ABOVE STOVE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS WHERE NEEDED.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND DIRT/DEBRIS ON THE STORAGE AND UTENSIL RACK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TRASH RECEPTACLES IN THE STAFF TOILET ROOM NEED A LID OR COVER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO, THE CARPET IN THE FAR RIGHT CLASSROOM WITH WATER. INSTRUCTED TO DRY CARPET AND KEEP IT DRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CEILING TILES MISSING AND/OR WITH WATER DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/PROVIDE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MOP WATER AND MOP STORED IN MOP BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WATER AND HANG MOP TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
  8. License

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-302.12(B) OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON SHELVING UNITS AND WINDOW LEDGES IN FURNACE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED UTILITY SINK NOT PROPERLY DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR UTILITY SINK. OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER LEFT SINK AND NO HOT WATER AT MIDDLE SINK IN NORTH CHILDREN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED SEVERAL OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS, AND WINDOWS IN ALL FURNACE AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL AREAS.

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