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SPARK MONTESSORI

4326 N CALIFORNIA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

SPARK MONTESSORI has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 15, 2019. The most recent inspection, on February 20, 2025, found no infractions.

3 of 9 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

The last 2 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.

  • 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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 18, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 October 2, 2023. 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 December 16, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 5 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2023. For example: GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 18, 2024. 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.

9 inspections

  1. License

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS WERE SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLIDNG A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING IMRPOPER MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 149.5F. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DISH MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING A FINAL RINSE BETWEEN 180-192F WHICH RAISES SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS UP TO AT LEAST 160F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN IRREVERSIBLE DISHWASHER THERMOMETER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. SEE COMMENTS.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. License

    6 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, DAIRY PRODUCTS, TURKEY, MIXED VEGETABLES ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN PREP AREA.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS OR TEST STRIPS/STICKERS WERE PROVIDED TO MEASURE THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS/PLATES (HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE WITH GAUGE READING 180F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SURFACE TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS OR IRREVERSIBLE (SURFACE) REGISTERING THERMOMETER TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER INSIDE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR SIDE OF THE BUILDING AREA WITH DRIED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF CABINETS IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE DUSTS AND DEBRIS.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE REAR ENCLOSURE NEAR THE STAIRCASE AND REMOVE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS,BUILDING MATERIALS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS WITH PEELING DEBRIS ALONG THE STUDENTS LOCKER CUBBY STORAGE AREA AND SECTION OF CEILING MISSING LOCATED AT THE REAR END OF HALLWAY NEAR THE STAFF WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/SEAL AND MAINTAIN MENTIONED BRICK WALLS SO THAT THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WASHROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE STORAGE CLOSET. FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
  8. License

    3 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • MUST PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS FOR THE NEWLY INSTALLED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PILED UNUSED STORED ITEMS COVERED WITH A TARP ON THE OUTDOOR PLAY AREA. ALL NECESSARY ITEMS FOR OUTDOORS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.----STORED ITEMS IN THE HALLWAY STORAGE CLOSET MUST BE ELEVATED TO ALLOW CLEANING AND MONITORING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENT IN THE OFFICE WASHROOM.----DIRT AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE UTILITY SINK CLOSET. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
  9. License

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIRRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • NO GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A GREASE TRAP FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

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