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Harte Elementary

1556 E 56th St (5600S), CHICAGO, IL 60637 · School

Inspection summary

Harte Elementary has been inspected 18 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 19, 2010. The most recent inspection, on February 2, 2026, found no infractions.

4 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 and Food temperature control.

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 January 16, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 February 18, 2015. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 9 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 2020. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

  • 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 10 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on January 16, 2025. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Many jurisdictions require a trained or certified person on site, such as a certified food handler. These findings mean the training record or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean anything was handled unsafely.

    Recorded once on January 17, 2019. For example: CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FAUCET TIMERS MUST STAY ON FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 SECONDS DURING HANDWASHING; ADJUST FAUCETS WITH TIMERS AS NEEDED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND ONE HANDSINK IN THE GIRLS WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT NOT WORKING; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. (TWO OPERABLE)
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FAUCET TIMERS MUST STAY ON FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 SECONDS DURING HANDWASHING; ADJUST FAUCETS WITH TIMERS AS NEEDED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE BOYS AND GIRLS WASHROOMS IN THE BASEMENT OF THE BUILDING AT 65F (BOYS) AND 37F (GIRLS); INSTRUCTED TO ADJUST TEMPERATURE TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F IN BOTH WASHROOMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C); NO CITATION ISSUED (CPS SCHOOL)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND ONE HANDSINK IN THE GIRLS WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT NOT WORKING; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. (TWO OPERABLE)
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE FAUCETS IN THE BOYS AND GIRLS WASHROOMS IN THE BASEMENT ACROSS FROM THE LUNCHROOM DO NOT STAY ON THE REQUIRED MINIMUM TIME OF 20 SECONDS; INSTRUCTED TO ADJUST ALL FAUCETS TO STAY ON THE REQUIRED MINIMUM TIME.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE SOME DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED TIMED FAUCETS IN POOR REPAIR IN FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE. FAUCETS SHALL PROVIDE A FLOW OF WATER FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS WITHOUT THE NEED TO REACTIVATE FAUCET.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN WALK-IN FREEZER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN DISH WASHING AREA, SERVING AREA, SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY AND PRE-K WASHROOM AND CLASSROOM. OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS AND VENT COVER IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON OVERHEAD PIPING IN PREP AND SERCING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID PROOF OF CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REMOVE CLUTTER OR UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AROUND 3-COMP SINK. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN GIRLS WASHROOM NEAR LUNCHROOM. REPLACE MISSING CAP ON RIGHT SINK IN BOYS WASHROOM NEAR LUNCHROOM. ADJUST TIMED FAUCET ON SINK IN SECOND FLOOR WASHROOM(WATER MUST RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS BEFORE RETOUCHING HANDLE.)
  11. Canvass

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MOP SINK ACROSS FROM DOOR 3.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD FOR THE LIGHT BULB IN THE WALK IN COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR THE HEAVY LEAK AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. NOTED SLOW DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
  13. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP ON SOME SHELVING UNITS IN PRE-K ROOM 103.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN BOILER ROOM AND ELECTRICAL ROOM.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT IN KITCHEN AND CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PRE-K ROOM 103.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST ADJUST MIXING VALVES AT HAND SINKS IN BASEMENT BOY'S AND GIRL'S,OFFICE TOILET ROOMS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE 1ST HAND SINK IN BSMT BOY'S NOT WORKING.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR PRE-K ROOM 103 REFRIGERATOR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BOILER ROOM AND ELECTRICAL ROOM,STAFF BREAK ROOM.
  14. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NEED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE IN BASEMENT TEACHERS LOUNGE..
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NEED TO CLEAN INSIDE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS ENTRANCE TO BOYS BASEMENT RESTROOM.
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REMOVE ALL PEELING PAINT FROM THE WALLS IN THE PRE-KINDERGARTEN WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM THE FLOORS IN THE PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLOSET. ALSO BETTER ORGANIZE CUSTODIAL CLOSET IN BASEMENT. STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
  16. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENING ROUND PIPE FITTING UNDER SINK IN PRE-K WASHROOM AND CEILING IN 2ND FLOOR JANITOR CLOSET. REPAIR DOOR #4.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INCREASE WATER PRESSURE IN 1ST FLOOR STUDENT WASHROOM. PROVIDE VENTILATION IN 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR TEACHERS WASHROOMS. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCETS ON 2ND FLOOR UTILITY SINKS. INCREASE PRESSURE ON RIGHT FOUNTAIN NEAR ROOM 206.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ORGANIZE GYM AND LIBRARY STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  17. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND FLOORS NOT SWEPT AT BOILER ROOM, BOOK STORAGE,AND ALL STORAGE AREAS LOWER LEVEL. FOUND CLUTTER STORED ALONG WALLS OF MENTIONED STORAGE AREAS. MUST STORE ALL BOOKS/CLUTTER OFFFLOORS AND AWAY FROM WALLS. FLOORS ALONG WALLS AT STORAGE AREAS MUST BE CLEAR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND WALLS IN POOR REPAIR AT LUNCHROOM BY DRY STORAGE CABINETS.(PEELING PAINT)MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT WALLS AT LUNCROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND HEATING VENT COVERS NOT CLEAN AT MAIN LUNCHROOM.
  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT REACH-IN COOLER DOORS OF VEGETABLE COOLER IN KITCHEN; REPAIR OR REPLACE.
    • 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. PEELING PAINT OBSERVED ON WALL AROUND TOILET IN ROOM 109 KINDERGARTEN. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT; REPAINT. SOME CRACKED PAINT ON EAST WALL ABOVE STAIRS ADJACENT TO MAIN ENTRANCE.

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