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THE GARDNER SCHOOL

1301 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Children's Services Facility

Inspection summary

THE GARDNER SCHOOL has been inspected 15 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 18, 2013. The most recent inspection, on May 15, 2026, found no infractions.

2 of 15 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene 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.

  • 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 12 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2026. For example: PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 8, 2024. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 8, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on March 22, 2021. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 10 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2026. For example: UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

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.

15 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS ON TOP OF COVERED STEAM TABLE AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES: CONTAINER OF MEATLOAF 110.5F AND CONTAINER OF RICE 126.0F. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 10LBS $50 VALUE. INSTD TO MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED CONTAINER OF COOKED VEGGIE PATTIES ON COVERED STEAM TABLE IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 64.0F. PATTIES DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME APPROX 2LBS $10 VALUE. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SEE ABOVE FOR VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • REFRIGERATOR IN INFANT ROOM D: STORING INFANT FORMULA/BOTTLES AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE, INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 74F. REFRIGERATOR TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME AND INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS, TOYS, BLANKET, AND DIAPERS STORED IN TOILET ROOM IN DISCOVERY ROOM B. INSTD TO REMOVE FOR TOILET ROOM AND STORE IN PROPER STORAGE AREA
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 1 TOILET INOPERABLE IN IMAGINATION A/B ROOM. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FULLY FUNCTIONAL
  3. License

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE VENTILATION COVER ABOVE FOOD UTENSILS IN KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDWASH SIGNAGE MISSING IN FOUR CLASSROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
  5. License

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST REMOVE SOAP, PAPER TOWELS, AND HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FROM ALL DUMP/"CRAFT" SINKS IN THE 2-YEAR-OLD CLASSROOMS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE "IMAGINATION A" CLASSROOM KIDS HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER WATER TEMPERATURE AT 88.2F AT HAND WASHING SINK IN STAFF BATHROOM. ALSO OBSERVED IMPROPER WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK AT 77.5F IN INFANT CLASSROOM. WATER TEMPERATURE AT 2 HAND WASHING SINKS IN INFANT CLASSROOM (DIAPER STATIONS) WERE FOUND AT 89.6F AND 78.3F. WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3 HAND WASHING SINKS IN DISCOVERY C CLASSROOM WERE FOUND AT 94.5F, 96.7F AND 89.8F. WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT A MINIMUM OF 100.0F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF REFRIGERATOR IN INFANT CLASSROOM AT 50.2F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  8. License

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF SHARED REFRIGERATOR UNIT BETWEEN INFANT A & B CLASSROOM (FASCINATION A & B) OBSERVED AT 56F. PREPPED BOTTLED MILK INSIDE UNIT WAS OBSERVED WITH A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR WAS TAGGED AT CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION AND PERSON IN CHARGE WAS INFORMED TO DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS LEAVING FACILITY AS CDPH RETURNED TO ISSUE SUMMARY; UNIT NOW PROPER AT 41.7F. TAG MAY BE REMOVED. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE CLASSROOM REACH IN COOLERS AND AND KITCHEN REFRIGERATORS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
  9. License

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH GAP OPENING ON REAR EXIT DOOR NEAR THE ENCHANTMENT CLASSROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE OUTER OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN PREP AREA BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2.102.14(A)(A) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVED THE FORM 1B OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11A NO CLEAN-UP KIT AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS INSIDE THE ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6.201.16(A)MUST DETAIL CLEAN DUST FROM CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN/PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6.102.11(C)(C) MUST CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AN MAINTAIN OUTSIDE RECYCLABLE DUMPSTER.
  11. License

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME. VENTS IN PREP AREA AND IN INFANT ROOMS NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS SURROUNDING SINK AREA IN INFANT ROOM NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • EXPOSED HANDSINK BASIN IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • THERMOMTERS MISSING FOR REFRIGERATION IN TODDLERS ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
  13. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • REFRIGERATOR CURRENTLY IN USE IN INFANT ROOM, UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE, 51.7F. UNIT TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PREMISES WILL USE REFRIGERATION ON SITE IN PREP AREA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME. VENTS IN PREP AREA AND IN INFANT ROOMS NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS SURROUNDING SINK AREA IN INFANT ROOM NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • EXPOSED HANDSINK BASIN IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • THERMOMTERS MISSING FOR REFRIGERATION IN TODDLERS ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
  14. License

    7 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. AIR TEMPERATURE RECORDED AT 50 DEGREES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS FROM UNIT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). REFRIGERATOR IN DISCOVERY C CLASSROOM FOUND AT IMOROPER TEMPERATURE. AIR TEMP RECORDED AT 45.1F INSTRUCTED ADJUST TEMPERATURE DIAL(CDI)
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • MILK-49.3F, CUT HONEY DEW MELON-45.7F, HUMMUS-45,1F, CUT CANTELOPE-45.8F, SOY MILK- 46.1F IN REFRIGERATOR IN DISCOVERY B CLASSROOM 30LB VALUED AT $50 DISCARDED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNIT AND COUNTER TOP NEAR 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FASCINATION CLASSROOM, AND REFRIGERATOR IN BREAK ROOM.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASEA OF THE WALLS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. CLEAN FLOOR IN STORAGE CLOSET IN CLASSROOM(ACCELERATION).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR SECTIONS OF WALLS(CHIPPING PAINT) UNDERNEATH BULLETIN BOARDS IN CLASSROOMS(EXPLORATION A AND B AND ON WALL OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM IN EXPLORATION B. CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM CEILING VENTS IN: EMPLOYEE WASHROOM, IN WASHROOM EXHAUST CLASSROOM(ACCELERATION). REPAIR SECTIONS ABOVE EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN CLASSROOMS WHERE PAINT IS CHIPPING.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL NON WORKING THERMOMETERS IN REFRIGERATORS IN CLASSROOMS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • PROPERLY STORE ALL STOCK AND VARIOUS ARTICLES IN ALL STORAGE ROOMS AND CLOSETS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR, ELIMINATE CLUTTER IN THESE AREAS SO THAT FLOORS ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND SERVICING BY PEST CONTOL COMPANY.
  15. License

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED PIPE UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK A LITTLE OFF FROM DRAIN AND A LEAK UNDER SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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