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DOWNTOWN CHILDRENS LEARNING PLACE

400 N MCCLURG CT, CHICAGO, IL 60611 · Daycare Above and Under 2 Years

Inspection summary

DOWNTOWN CHILDRENS LEARNING PLACE has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 11, 2013. The most recent inspection, on November 18, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

4 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 May 22, 2024. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 15, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 December 14, 2022. 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 August 15, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 March 23, 2017. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

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. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR IN MECHANICAL ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED CONTAINER OF SINGLE-USE GLOVES STORED UNCOVERED NEAR THE REAR INFANT AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CONTAINER OF GLOVES PARTIALLY COVERED OR RELOCATE TO AN AREA WHERE THEY ARE EXPOSED TO SPLASHES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF DISH MACHINE (REAR PANELS AND HOSES) TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WALL AND DRAIN PLUMBING BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PHYSICAL FACILITIES AND PLUMBING AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
  3. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE IN BUSY BEE CLASSROOM AS WELL AS LARGE COMMON AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON FLOOR IN STORAGE CLOSET DOOR NEXT TO BUILIND ENTRY. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
  4. License

    6 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS @ IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION, 2 AND HALF GALLONS OF MILK RANGING BETWEEN 53.5F- 59.2F, 3 LBS SLICED DELI TURKEY 58.6F, 3.2 LBS HUMMUS @54.0F, AND .5 LBS SLICED DELI CHEESE @53.4F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED. ALL SAID ITEMS WERE DISCARDED BY PIC VOLUNTARILY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATION UNIT IN PREP AREA @ IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE @55.0F AND USED TO STORE VARIOUS TCS FOOD (MILK, HUMMUS, SLICED DELI MEAT AND CHEESE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF UNIT AND REPAIR TO 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATON. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 15 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT THE HALLWAY WITH TEACHER PHOTOS ON WALL, IN CLASSROOM NEXT TO INFANT ON STORAGE CLOSET DOORS, WINDOW SHADE AND ON SURFACES OF FURNITURE. NOTED 4 ON PLUMBING FIXTURES IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR PROVIDED FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE FOR IN USE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON FLOOR IN STORAGE CLOSET DOOR NEXT TO BUILIND ENTRY. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE IN BUSY BEE CLASSROOM AS WELL AS LARGE COMMON AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • No hot running water at hand wash sinks. Highest temp reaches 75f, instructed to provide 100f minimum water temp at all hand wash sink. Priority violation 7-38-030.
  7. License

    5 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HOSE WITH SPLITTER ATTACHED TO UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON FLOOR OF CLOSET IN PLAYROOM. INSTRUCTED MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE GAPS BETWEEN FLOORS AND BASEBOARD IN REAR RESTROOM ON THE RIGHT, AND SEVERAL DAMAGED BASEBOARDS IN THE OTHER 3 RESTROOMS (PEELING PAINT, ETC.). MUST REPAIR DAMAGED BASEBOARDS AND MUST FILL ALL GAPS IN BETWEEN FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION IN CEILING OF UTILITY CLOSET. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
  8. License

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • - OBSERVED THE HANDWASH SINK IN THE CENTER CLASSROOM SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • - OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE FRIDGE. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-12.12(A) NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD (MILK) IS HANDLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14 NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH BIOHAZARD CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH BIOHAZARD CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
  11. License

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • FOOD NOT STORED IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, FOUND MILK STORED IN CARAFE IN REFRIGERATOR WITH NO DATE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP MILK IN ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INACCURATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER AND MISSING ONE IN DAIRY REFRIGERATOR, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN GOOD WORKING THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMP OF DELIVERED FOOD DAILY.
  12. License

    1 infraction

    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE PLAYROOM CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE ITEMS SO THAT THEY ARE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
  13. Canvass

    0 infractions

  14. License

    0 infractions

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