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THE GARDNER SCHOOL

1612 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Daycare Above and Under 2 Years

Inspection summary

THE GARDNER SCHOOL has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 13, 2014. The most recent inspection, on March 5, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

5 of 16 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene 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 the people in care. Higher-risk findings are the ones that could directly make someone sick, and they matter more here because young children, older adults and people who are unwell are more vulnerable to infection.

  • 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 January 21, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hand hygiene is the most important way to stop germs spreading between children, residents and staff. Inspectors check that sinks are stocked and easy to reach, that staff wash their hands when required (for example after diapering or before handling food), and that sick staff stay away from work.

    Recorded once on March 5, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 January 17, 2020. For example: FOOD RECEIVED AT PROPER TEMPERATURE

  • 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 February 19, 2016. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 5, 2026. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

16 inspections

  1. License

    3 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING/HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN UTILITY SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN AN UPRIGHT MOUNTED POSITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON EXHAUST VENTILATION THROUGHT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. License

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK FROM BOTTOM PIPES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHEN WATER IS DRAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PEOPLE WERE BEING SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENT IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM NEAR CLASSROOMS COVERED IN DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
  5. License

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE MINI REFRIGERATORS IN DISCOVERY C AND FANTASY CLASSROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND WASH BASIN DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES OVERFLOWING. OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES MUST BE CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  8. License

    1 infraction

    • 12. FOOD RECEIVED AT PROPER TEMPERATURE
  9. License

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR LAUNDRY ROOM. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS IN THE ADULT WASHROOM LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES.
  11. License

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED THE BOTTOM SHELF IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER STICKY. MUST CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: TEACHER'S LOUNGE,LAUNDRY ROOM AND IN THE TODDLERS CLASS ROOMS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN THE VENT COVERS IN THE TEACHER'S WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed dust buildup on vent cover in front lobby rest room. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed clutter in laundry room, in corner area. Instructed manager to elevate items off floor at least 6 inches and to detail clean and maintain.
  13. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. License

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED.WE OBSERVED REAR DOOR THAT GOES OUT TO THE ALLEY WITH AN 1/4 TO 1/2" GAP.INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF DOOR PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOT COMPLETE,IDPH CERTIFICATE EXPIRED ON 12-31-14.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPDATE CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE NOR PROVIDED DURING THE INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AND POSTED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(A)
    • 28. * INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
      • INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 6-30-15,REPORT #1454048(FAILED COMPLIANCE FORM)NOT POSTED,INSTEAD POSTED AT FRONT HALLWAY WITH OTHER LICENSES IS A COMPLIANCE SUMMARY REPORT FROM FEBRUARY 13,2014,REPORT#1396183. INSPECTION SUMMARY IS DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND PRESENTLY POSTED SERIOUS VIOLATION7-42-010(B)
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MOP / LAUNDRY ROOM TOO MANY ITMES (GALLONS OF PAINT AND OTHER MATERIAL)STORED ON FLOORS.INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6"OFF THE FLOOR AND SWEEP/MAINTAN AREA.
  15. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. OR CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE HOLDING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SITE TO ENROLL IN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • WATER DAMAGE AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN INFANT ROOM IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • DRAIN LINE AND FLOOR DRAIN AT ICE MACHINE AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  16. License

    0 infractions

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