Skip to content
Loading map…

DAWES ELEMENTARY

3810 W 81st Pl, CHICAGO, IL 60652 · School

Inspection summary

DAWES ELEMENTARY has been inspected 20 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 18, 2010. The most recent inspection, on March 3, 2026, found no infractions.

3 of 20 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination and Pests.

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.

  • 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 January 26, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 May 13, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 November 25, 2014. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 11 separate inspections, most recently on January 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 14 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on March 1, 2023. For example: TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

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.

20 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE FAUCETS IN TOILET ROOMS IN MOBILE UNIT (PRE-K) IN POOR REPAIR AND UNABLE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED FLOW OF WATER FOR 15 SECONDS WITHOUT REACTIVATING. A self-closing, slow-closing, or metering faucet shall provide a flow of water for at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C)
  3. Canvass

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • MISSING SUPPLIES AND PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, (PREMISES HAS ONLY A BAG OF ABSORBANT MATERIAL ON SITE) . INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS INCLUDING EFFECTIVE SANITIZER AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SMALL GARBAGE CONTAINER WITH A LID IN THE STAFF WASHROOM.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FAUCETS IN TOILET ROOM IN MOBILE UNIT (PRE-K) UNABLE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED FLOW OF WATER FOR 15 SECONDS WITHOUT REACTIVATING. A self-closing, slow-closing, or metering faucet shall provide a flow of water for at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MISSING COVER FOR TRASH RECEPTACLES IN ALL FEMALE TOILET ROOMS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • LIGHT OUT IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR TILES MISSING AT WALK IN COOLER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALLS IN NEED OF PAINTING IN WALK IN COOLER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED WATER PIPES IN CEILING ABOVE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
  9. Canvass

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • OBSERVED HAND DRYING DEVICES NOT WORKING, AND NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE FIRST FLOOR BOYS REST ROOM,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. ENGINER PROVIDED PAPER TOWEL AT THIS TIME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELD NOT CLEAN IN STORAGE/OFFICE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
  11. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED THE WALL IN THE LUNCHROOM SEATING AREA IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 26. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
      • OBSERVED FOUR STUDENT RESTROOMS ACROSS FROM ROOM# 224 AND NEXT TO ROOM# 113 WITH NO HOT WATER (58.1F-59.7F) AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ALL STUDENT HAND WASHING SINKS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE WASTE PIPE LEAKING UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT MILK COOLER INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED CEILING PEELING PAINT IN THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEES RESTROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND RESEAL.
  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE STOCK "6" INCHES OFF FLOOR IN THE UPSTAIRS STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER
  15. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • THE FRONT EXIT DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROOF,HAS A 1/4 NCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR AND UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK,MANAGER STATES BOOK LOCKED UP INSIDE OFFICE,MUST PROVIDE,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • THE FAUCET NECK IS OFF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BUT WHEN WATER IS TURNED ON BY KNOB THE WATER COMES HOT AND COLD FROM OPENING WHERE FAUCET NECK SHOULD BE. MUST REPAIR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE STOCK "6" INCHES OFF FLOOR IN THE UPSTAIRS STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER
  16. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST RECAULK AROUND BOTH WASH BOWLS IN THE GIRLS TOILET ROOM ACROSS FROM ROOM 104 AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST REMOVE RUST FROM REAR STORAGE BEHIND THE DOOR AND IN THE OFFICE IN THE CAFETERIA. MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST REPLACE DAMAGE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REMOVE TOILET PAPER FROM THE CEILING IN THE BOYS TOILET ROOMS ON THE 1ST AND 2ND FL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST FIX AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING PLUMBING ISSUES: THE LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE LEFT/RIGHT FAUCETS ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE CAFETERIA. MUST OPEN THE FAUCETS OR ADJUST THE TIMER ON THE GIRLS LEFT (HOT/COLD)WASH BOWL (ACROSS FROM ROOM 104) AND BOYS RIGHT (HOT) ON THE 2ND FL (ACROSS FROM ROOM 241). FAUCETS MUST STAY ON FOR ATLEAST 20 SECONDS FOR ADEQUATE HAND WASHING.
  17. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NEED TO REPAIR/REPLACE HOT HOLDING UNIT CORD DAMAGED WHEN UNIT BLEW THE FUSE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NEED TO CLEAN CEILING FANS IN THE LUNCHROOM OVER DINING TABLES. CLEAN WALL BEHIND DOUBLE DOOR OVENS. NEED TO RESEAL INSTULATION PIPE OVER SERVING AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NEED TO REPAIR/REPLACE HANDLE SINK STOPPERS AT THE 2ND, AND 3RD. COMPARTMENTS OF THE 3 COMP. SINK.
  18. 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.OBSERVED FOOD UNDER TABLES IN LUNCHROOM INSTRUCTED TO SWEEP AND REMOVE FOOD FROM FLOOOR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.OBSERVED CEILING NORTH SIDE BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMAGE CEILING. ALSO PEELING PAINT IN MILK STORAGE AREA INSTRICTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT/RE-PAINT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.OBSERVED CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS 1 REAR TABLE IN LUNCHROOM AND 2 SIDE STORASGE /PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALSO FRONT HALLWAY AND MILK STORAGE AREA LIGHT SHIELDS NEED CLEANING.
  19. Canvass

    2 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. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE BUILD-UP OF ICE ON FREEZER FLOOR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 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. 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. LEAK AT WALK IN FREEZER IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  20. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN VENTS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. (SUPPLIES, STOCK IN TOILET ROOMS MOBILE 7). INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SLOW DRAINING. LOW PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HANDSINK. REPAIR SAME. REMOVE 4-BURNER STOVE FOR TEACHERS LOUNGE OR PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website