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STEPPING STONES LEARNING INSTITUTION

8509-8511 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60652 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

STEPPING STONES LEARNING INSTITUTION has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 25, 2019. The most recent inspection, on June 11, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 11 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 20, 2023. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 18, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 11, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 2 times on June 25, 2019. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 18, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP IN THE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE REACH IN FREEZER. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN AND STORAGE ROOM TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE FOLLOWING AREA: BOTTOM STORAGE CABINETS IN THE KITCHEN, CLOSETS AND AREA AROUND IT, IN THE REAR. MUST REMOVE AND/OR ALL UNNECESSARY ITEM FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING PURPOSES AND TO PREVENT HARBORAGE FOR PESTS.
  2. License

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN WITHOUT SPLASHGUARD NEXT TO COUNTER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DUE TO STORING CLEAN UTENSILS AND DISHES. MUST ADD SPLASH GUARD AT LEAST THE HEIGHT OF THE STOVE'S BANCK GUARD ONTO UTILITY SINK COUNTER TOP.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED CHILDREN'S RIGHT TOILET WITH HANDLE IN NEED OF REPAIRING . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BOTTOM LEFT KITCHEN CABINET WITH ITEMS NO LONGER IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING PEST HARBORAGE. OBSERVED CLOSET AND AREA IN FRON OF CLOSET NEAR WASHING MACHINE WITH CLUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MISSING SPLASHGUARD AT EACH SIDE OF UTILITY SINK IN PREP AREA (LOCATED INBETWEEN STOVE AND COUNTER TOP). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SPLASHGUARDS.
  4. License

    2 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS OF FURNACE/HOT WATER HEATER CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  5. Recent Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11: MISSING SPLASHGUARD AT EACH SIDE OF UTILITY SINK IN PREP AREA (LOCATED INBETWEEN STOVE AND COUNTER TOP). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SPLASHGUARDS
  6. License

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HAND DRYING PROVISION (IE PAPER TOWELS) AT HANDWASH SINKS IN THE FOLLOWING: BOTH STAFF TOILET ROOMS, CHILDRENS TOILET ROOM, AND INFANT CLASSROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MISSING SPLASHGUARD AT EACH SIDE OF UTILITY SINK IN PREP AREA (LOCATED INBETWEEN STOVE AND COUNTER TOP). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SPLASHGUARDS
  7. License

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS SUCH AS MILK, AND DELI MEAT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PERSON AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • LIDS NEEDED ON INTERIOR ADULT GARBAGE CANS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTILATION IN HANDICAP WASHROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/ INSTALL.
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • REPEAT-OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • REPEAT-OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL SANITIZER KIT( TEST PAPER) FOR SANITIZER BEING USED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLSTION ISSUED 7-38-005
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTILATION IN HANDICAP WASHROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/ INSTALL.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED ELECTRIC STOVE IN KITCHEN NOT VENTED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADEQUATE VENTILATION OVER STOVE TO ROOF.
  10. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED UTILTIY SINK NOT CONNECTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY CONNECT UTILITY SINK FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER SINKS IN WASHROOM AND KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS AND MAINTAIN.
  11. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED NO HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT HAND WASHING AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 100F WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED UTILTIY SINK NOT CONNECTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY CONNECT UTILITY SINK FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER SINKS IN WASHROOM AND KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN NORTH WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VENTILATION IN WASHROOMS.

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