Skip to content
Loading map…

COOPER ELEMENTARY

1645 W 18th Place(1832S), CHICAGO, IL 60608 · School

Inspection summary

COOPER ELEMENTARY has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 18, 2010. The most recent inspection, on January 9, 2026, found no infractions.

4 of 21 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, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

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 your health. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on August 22, 2023. 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 25, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food and supplies are stored and handled: kept covered, off the floor, and away from anything that could contaminate them. Where food is served, raw meat must be kept away from ready-to-eat food, a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on January 23, 2019. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be made of cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked surface or worn part. They are generally lower risk but show how well the place is maintained.

    Recorded 18 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on March 19, 2018. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

  • 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 16 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on August 25, 2025. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • THE LEFT DOOR BY THE OFFICE AND THE MIDDLE DOOR (3N) ACROSS FROM ROOM #118 IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • THE FOLLOWING PLUMBING ISSUES WERE FOUND AND MUST BE FIXED AND MAINTAINED: -MIDDLE FAUCET AND THE FAUCET FOR THE SANITIZER ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKS AT THE BASE. -THE PIPE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKS. -THE HOT WATER PRESSURE OF THE 1ST (3 IN TOTAL) NEEDS TO BE INCREASED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE CEILING ABOVE THE SERVICE LINE IN THE CAFETERIA IS DAMAGED AND HAS PEELING PAINT. ALSO, THE CEILING IS DAMAGED IN THE FIRST FLOOR GIRLS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FIX CEILING AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE WINDOWS IN THE TEACHERS' LOUNGE ADJACENT TO THE FOOD PREP AREA OPENED WITHOUT ADEQUATE SCREENING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SCREENING FOR ALL OUTER OPENINGS OR MAINTAIN WINDOW CLOSED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED HOT WATER CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER ARRIVES AT 9:40 AM.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT SINGLE STALL GIRL'S TOILET ROOM LOCATED NEXT TO ENTRANCE DOOR. ALSO NOTED, NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FOOD DISPENSING HANDWASHING SINK, MUST BE PROVIDED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 72 F LOCATED IN GIRLS TOILET ROOM ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND SEWAGE WATER LOCATED UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK/FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED GREASE TRAP LOCATED ON THE FLOOR UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BACKING UP ONTO THE FOOD PREP FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 72 F LOCATED IN GIRLS TOILET ROOM ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
  7. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 72 F LOCATED IN GIRLS TOILET ROOM ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED MINOR DIRT DEBRIS UNDER THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HAND WASHING SINK AT THE SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD WATER, HAND WASHING CLEANSER, DRYING PROVISIONS, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A WINDOW IN THE DINING AREA OPEN WITHOUT SCREEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO CLOSED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE'S AND GIRLS TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  11. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PREMISES HAS POLICY BUT THE DISINFECTANT NOT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDSINK AT THE FRONT PREP SERVING LINES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSINK IN THE FRONT FOOD DISPENSING LINES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD SPICES STORED IN LOCKER ROOM AREA, INSTRUCTED THIS IS A PROHIBITED AREA TO STORE FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN PROPER STORAGE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE FRONT TWO SERVING LINES PEELING PAINT AND MISSING PLASTER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. ALSO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY GOING TO LUNCH ROOM BY THE PURPLE DOOR STORAGE ROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN HALLWAY TO LUNCHROOM, AND IN LUNCHROOM UNDER THE TWO DOOR FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED 4 LIGHTS OUT OVER THE FRONT TWO SERVING LINES, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR OF DRIED SPILL UNDER SHELVING IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR DAMAGED/MISSING FLOOR TILES ALONG WEST WALL IN LUNCHROOM.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REMPOVE PEELING PAINT AT CEILING OF GIRLS 2ND FLOOR WASHROOM.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR BULB INSIDE 2-DR UPRIGHT FREEZER IN LUNCHROOM.
  13. Canvass

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED ONE ENTRANCE DOOR ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING AND ONE ENTRACE DOOR ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF BOTH ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID ENTRANCE DOORS RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE MIDDLE WASHBOWL'S WATER PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE INCREASED IN THE GIRLS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN.
  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN SERVING AREA AND AUDITORIUM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE HOT WATER AT SINK IN MEN FACULTY WASHROOM NEAR LUNCHROOM. INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE ON SINK IN TEACHER WOMEN WASHROOM. REPAIR LEAK UNDER MIDDLE SINK IN GIRLS FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM. INCREASE PRESSURE ON WATER FOUNTAINS NEAR GIRLS FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM.
  17. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND A FREEZER AND MILK COOLER NOT IN WORKING ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON BACK OF COOKING EQUIPMENT NEAR WALL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON EXHAUST HOOD VENTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND EXPOSED CONCRETE IN DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL SO WALLS ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • FOUND NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON FACULTY RESTROOM NEAR GYM AND ON KITCHEN RESTROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
  18. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND AROUND TOILETS (SECOND FLOOR BOYS NORTH WASHROOM); PAINT. CLEAN WALLS OF GIRLS SECOND FLOOR SOUTH WASHROOM AND PAINT ON SECOND FLOOR IN ALL WASHROOMS WHERE NEEDED. SEAL HOLES AROUND PIPES UNDERNEATH ALL HANDSINKS IN ALL WASHROOMS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST CORRECT THE FOLLOWING PLUMBING VIOLATIONS: UNCLOG EXPOSED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN; ENGINEER HAS TO TAKE APART SINK AND WILL CORRECT LATER TODAY. (A TWO COMP SINK IS NEXT TO EXPOSED SINK WHICH CAN BE USED FOR HANDWASHING).NO RUNNING WATER AT MIDDLE SINK IN GIRLS WASHROOM ON SECOND FLOOR (NORTH); PROVIDE. SECOND FLOOR BOYS (NORTH) MIDDLE SINK HAS NO HOT RUNNING WATER; PROVIDE. REPLACE ALL MISSING FAUCET KNOBS IN GIRLS AND BOYS WASHROOMS WHERE NEEDED. REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN TOILET SEAT IN GIRLS WASHROOM ON SECOND FLOOR (NORTH).
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN STORAGE CLOSETS; REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER AND POTENTIAL RODENT HARBORAGE.
  19. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE GIRLS WASHROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR AND PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IN THE 2ND FLOOR BOOK STORE ROOM HAS BOOKS, SUPPLIES, MILK CRATES, PLASTIC CONTAINERS, BOXES, BAGS AND OLD EQUIPMENTALL OVER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE ALL SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
  20. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN NOT CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE LUNCH ROOM AND TOILET ROOMS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. CLUTTER IN THE BOOK STORE ROOM AND BOOKS AND SUPPLIES ON FLOOR. INSTD TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND PUT THE BOOKS AND SUPPLIES SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
  21. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE FAN COVER TO REACH-IN FREEZER BY SERVICE LINE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER AND MILK REACH-IN COOLER IN SERVICE AREA-REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS IN BOILER ROOM-REMOVE DEAD BUGS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR DAMAGED CEILING OUTSIDE GYM ROOM ON EAST SIDE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INCREASE WATER PRESSURE ON THE WATER FOUNTAINS BY ROOM 117.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website