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DR. EFFIE O. ELLIS YMCA HEAD START

10 S KEDZIE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60612 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

DR. EFFIE O. ELLIS YMCA HEAD START has been inspected 18 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 6, 2013. The most recent inspection, on January 22, 2026, found no infractions.

6 of 18 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, Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.

The last 4 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.

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 7, 2019. 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 once on March 16, 2023. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 March 7, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 March 6, 2013. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 9 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2023. 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.

18 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. License

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    0 infractions

  4. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN CLOSETS OF CLASSROOMS AS WELL IN STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
  6. License

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOODSERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ORIGINAL VALID CERTIFICATE MUST BE MAINTAINED ON SITE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN CLOSETS OF CLASSROOMS AS WELL IN STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. License

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE AND LEAKY TOILET IN POOR REPAIR IN CLASS ROOM #1 TOILET ROOM,LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN STAFF TOILET ROOM.MUST ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES TO STAY ON LONGER IN CLASS ROOM TOILET ROOMS,HEAVILY LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN CLASS ROOM #2 CLOSET.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN KITCHEN.
  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER (RUGS, TOYS,PAPER PRODUCTS, BOXES, ETC) IN THE HALLWAY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN
  10. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED OUT OF ORDER SIGN ON WOMENS RESTROOM NEXT TO KITCHEN DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF LED IN THE TAP WATER FROM HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO LOCK DOOR TO SAID RESTROOM AND DIRECT STAFF TO USE ADDITIONAL RESTROOM IN FACILITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED. - COS
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNATTACHED WALL COVING IN CLASSROOM 2 NEAR SINK AND CABINET AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN. -
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN BOTTOM OF WALL ABOVE COVING BEHIND 2ND TOILET AREA, AND LARGE HOLE IN WALL NEAR EXIT DOOR IN CLASSROOM 1. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. -
  11. License

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED 1ST HANDSINK ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN CLASSROOM 2 WITH WATER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE (87.2F). INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO EQUIP ALL HANDSINKS TO BE AT LEAST 100F, AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 SMALL BLACK ANTS NEAR SINK AND CABINET AREA IN CLASSROOM 2 BEHIND THE BROKEN WALL COVING AND ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED OUT OF ORDER SIGN ON WOMENS RESTROOM NEXT TO KITCHEN DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF LED IN THE TAP WATER FROM HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO LOCK DOOR TO SAID RESTROOM AND DIRECT STAFF TO USE ADDITIONAL RESTROOM IN FACILITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNATTACHED WALL COVING IN CLASSROOM 2 NEAR SINK AND CABINET AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN BOTTOM OF WALL ABOVE COVING BEHIND 2ND TOILET AREA, AND LARGE HOLE IN WALL NEAR EXIT DOOR IN CLASSROOM 1. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 - OBSERVED A PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, BUT NO SUPPLY KIT NEEDED TO PROPERLY SANITIZE AND CLEAN SUCH EVENTS. THE PERSON IN CHARGE WAS INSTRUCTED OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE SEPARATE FROM THE FACILITY'S DAILY CLEANING SUPPLIES . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11 - OBSERVED THE VENTILATION FAN IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS NOT IN WORKING ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  13. License

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LADIES ROOM 1 OUT OF 2 FAUCETS NOT WORKING, NO HOT WATER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. CHILDRENS ROOM 2 1 OUT OF 2 FAUCETS NO HOT WATER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVES IN THE REAR HALLWAY KITCHEN STORAGE AREA AND PROVIDE SHELVING (MUST BE AT LEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR).
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE SHELVES UNDER THE 1-COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE CLASSROOMS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE CLASSROOMS AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX THE LEAK AT THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ABOVE THE MOP SINK IN THE CLASSROOM CLOSET. MAINTAIN SAME.
  15. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED A BROKEN HANDLE ON A ONE DOOR REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THRU PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED VENTS WITH ACCUMULATED DUST IN ALL OF THE WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS THRU OUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED BOXES AND CLUTTER ON THE FLOOR IN THE CLOSET OF CLASSROOM 1. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE GROUND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  16. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  17. License

    1 infraction

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATES POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (CHICKEN AT 167.3F) IS BEING SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
  18. License

    1 infraction

    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN.

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