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LA ESCUELITA

5400 W FULLERTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60639 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

LA ESCUELITA has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 27, 2016. The most recent inspection, on April 8, 2026, found no infractions.

1 of 12 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, Pests and Food temperature control.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 8 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 2025. 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 September 5, 2023. 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 February 19, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 October 29, 2018. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 October 29, 2018. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTHING AND MAINTAIN.
  3. License

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE TWO BATHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FRONT ARE. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 84.5F-93.4F 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)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTHING AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE KITCHEN AREA, PRE-K BATHROOMS AND IN THE HALLWAY HANDWASHING SINKS OUTSIDE OF THE 2-3 YEARS OLDS AND TODDLER CLASSROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(c).
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED BROKEN PAPER TOWEL DISPENSERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE LOBBY AREA MENS WASHROOM, THE TODDLER AND PRE-K BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE HANDLING/PREPARING FOOD IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO TRASH CAN LID IN LOBBY AREA WOMENS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROKEN/MISSING/STAINED/WARPED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE LOBBY AREA, IN ALL OF THE CLASSROOMS - INFANT, PRE-K, SCHOOLAGE AND TODDLER CLASSROOMS AND IN HALLWAY BETWEEN THE CLASSROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN/MISSING/STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHTBULB OUT IN THE HALLWAY BETWEEN THE CLASSROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AND DIRTY LENT IN THE VENTS IN THE TODDLER CLASSROOM, 2-3 YEAR OLD CLASSROOM AND IN THE MENS AND WOMENS RESTROOM IN THE LOBBY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19: OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN KITCHEN AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILTY.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.19: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE ITEMS TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON INTERIOR LIGHT SHIELDS IN INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  6. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WRIITTEN VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN WEST SIDE UNISEX WASHROOM IN WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED HAND DRYING PROVISIONS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS FOR DISPENSER IN WEST SIDE UNISEX WASHROOM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATED WITH BELOW VIOLATION.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED SPOON IN HANDWASHING SINK IN INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE SPOON REMOVED FROM HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY FIFTY SMALL FLIES IN NORTHSIDE WASHROOM NEAR CLASSROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/5/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN KITCHEN AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILTY.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS IN WAITING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON INTERIOR LIGHT SHIELDS IN INFANT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES NAD MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE ITEMS TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASE AND DUST ON FILTERS AND INTERIOR OF HOOD IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVERS IN ALL WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND FABRIC BEING USED AS SHELF LINER INSIDE THE CABINETS IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A NON-ABSORBENT, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND A HOLE IN THE WALL INSIDE THE RESTROOM CLOSEST TO THE FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR HOLE AND MAINTAIN.
  8. License

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE MILK 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR DRAINS IN THE UTILITY ROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A FEW DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE PRE-K CLASS ROOM AND ABOVE STORAGE SHELVING IN 2-6 YEARS OLD CLASSROOM. MUST REPAIR AND REPALCE
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTHING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT BULBS IN IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS ISIDE WASHROOMS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. License

    2 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  10. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(N): NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD FOR HANDWASH SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.19: MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOORS FOR STAFF TOILET ROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11: OBSERVED FLOOR COVING PEELING OFF IN THE KITCHEN, STUDENT TOILET ROOM, AND IN THE RIGHT SIDE CLASSROOM. MUST REATTACH. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE RIGHT SIDE CLASSROOM. MUST REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11: OBSERVED CORK CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE A NONPOROUS, NONCORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11: OBSERVED THE KITCHEN VENTILATION HOOD IN POOR REPAIR. MUST PROVIDE WORKING VENTILATION IN THE KITCHEN FOR ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE CHILDREN TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 27. TOILET ROOMS ENCLOSED CLEAN, PROVIDED WITH HAND CLEANSER, SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AND PROPER WASTE RECEPTACLES
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP IN 1ST RESTROOM, FOR CUSTOMERS, NEAR FRONT DESK AREA. ALSO OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN BOTH KIDS RESTROOMS. MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AND SOAP FOR ALL RESTROOMS, DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION # 7-38-030
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD LOCATED AT SHELVING AND CABINET SIDING, ABOVE HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND ENSURE SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER ON EXTERIOR OF HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM, IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, ABOVE STOVE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED HANGING VENTILATION COVER IN FRONT CLOSET, NEAR FRONT DESK AREA. OBSERVED CEILING TILE ABOVE SOUTH EXIT REAR DOOR AND KIDS RESTROOM, IN POOL REPAIR. OBSERVED BROKEN CEILING TILE, ABOVE 3 COMP SINK, IN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED A TOTAL OF 3 STAINED CEILING TILE, IN SCHOOL-AGED CLASSROOM, NEAR KIDS RESTROOM ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IT ALL TIMES.
  12. License

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WALL BEHIND STOVE NOT PAINTED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE VENTILATION NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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