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EARLY START DAYCARE CENTER

342 S LARAMIE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60644 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

EARLY START DAYCARE CENTER has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 6, 2021. The most recent inspection, on June 23, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

3 of 12 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 5, 2025. 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 November 8, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 2 times on July 6, 2021. 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 August 28, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 July 6, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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.

12 inspections

  1. License

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN STORAGE CLOSER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
  2. License

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN PLACE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SINK UNDER CITYS PRESSURE WITH HOT RUNNING WATER @ AT LEAST 100F, SOAP AND PAPERTOWEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (c). NO CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-501.114 (A, B, C, D, E, F: 1 & 2) CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH CODES. OBSERVED WAREWASHING MACHINE LOCATED INSIDE KITCHEN UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROOF THAT RESIDENTIAL DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN PREP AREA IS PROPERLY WASH, RINSING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMMERCIAL DISHMACHINE THAT PROPERLY SANITIZES UTENSILS TO CODE REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED 1 OF 2 WASHBOWLS LOCATED IN THE GIRLS' TOILET ROOM IN GRACE'S CLASSROOM IN DISREPAIR AND TAPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE CENTER IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: THE OMEGA CLASSROOM, HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF THE SCIENCE ROOM, AND THE FAITH CLASSROOM NEXT TO THE LIBRARY IN THE REAR FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED TOILET ROOM WASHBOWL LOCATED INSIDE IN-USE TODDLER CLASSROOM FOR EMPLOYEES WITHOUT HOT WATER DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED WATER TEMPERATURE @ 64F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER AT LEAST 100F AT ALL TIMES REQUIRED BY CODE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED WAREWASHING MACHINE LOCATED INSIDE KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF FINAL RINSE AT 85F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISHMACHINE THAT PROPERLY SANITIZES UTENSILS TO CODE REQUIREMENTS OF 180F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED BOWLS AND PLATES STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 1 OF 2 WASHBOWLS LOCATED IN THE GIRLS' TOILET ROOM IN GRACE'S CLASSROOM IN DISREPAIR AND TAPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE CENTER IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: THE OMEGA CLASSROOM, HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF THE SCIENCE ROOM, AND THE FAITH CLASSROOM NEXT TO THE LIBRARY IN THE REAR FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE SCIENCE LAB. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEAD TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  8. License

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT EMPLOYEE 2ND BATHROOM HANDWASHING SINK AND THE BOYS BATHROOM. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 74.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED CERERAL OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE SCIENCE LAB. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEAD TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (AFTER FIRE INSPECTOR RETURNS TO APPROVE FIRE DOORS)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON STAFF TOILET ROOM DOOR JUST OUTSIDE OF THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BLUE TAPE ATTACHED TO TO FLOOR HOLDING DOWN CARPET IN THE INFANT/TODDLER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AS TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
  10. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUHGOUT FACILITY SUCH AS FRONT ENTRANCE AND ORANGE ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  12. License

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • SEE #2
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED COPY OF CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEA KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ITEMS SUCH AS DISPOSABLE MOP, DISINFECTANT (KILLS NOROVIRUS), MASKS, GLOVES, DISPOSABLE APRON. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD THERMOMETER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER THAT MEASURES HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL COMPANY FOR LOG BOOK.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED TORN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR EXIT DOOR WITH 1/4" GAP UNDERNEATH. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING STRIPS FOR DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE STRIPS OR DISH PUCK THAT MEASURES INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO DUMSPTERS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT DISPOSAL COMPANY TO SET UP CONTRACT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-020(b). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUHGOUT FACILITY SUCH AS FRONT ENTRANCE AND ORANGE ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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