⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

LIL' SCHOLARS LEARNING CENTER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Children's services facility

LIL' SCHOLARS LEARNING CENTER 918 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO 60612 Children's Services Facility
October 16, 2026 License License #2895552
7
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
1
Minor

Inspection Summary

This children's services facility was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 16, 2026. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Fail outcome.

This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.

The inspector documented 7 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN RESTROOM FOR DIRECTOR. MUST OBTAIN, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP IN RESTROOM FOR THE DIRECTOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #11
MAJOR
FOOD OBTAINED FROM APPROVED SOURCE - Comments: OBSERVED A CATERING SERVICE AGREEMENT DATED ON JULY 29TH, 2019 WITH THE CATERER. THE SERVICE AGREEMENT IS MISSING THE ADDRESS, CONTACT NUMBER, AND BUSINESS LICENSE NUMBER TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY IF THE COMPANY IS AN APPROVED SOURCE. INSTURCTED TO PROVIDE A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE MENTIONED INFORMATION. PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.
Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.
Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRY DOOR WITH AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: FOUND RESIDENTIAL DISH MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ELEVATING THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE. A WAREWASHING MACHINE SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH A TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE THAT INDICATES THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER IN EACH WASH AND RINSE TANK AND AS THE WATER ENTERS THE HOT WATER SANITIZING FINAL RINSE MANIFOLD OR IN THE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION TANK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO SERVICE AGREEMENT OF PROOF THAT THE OWNER OF THE BUILDING HANDLES THE OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DUMPSTER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A LEASE OR CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR THE FACILTIY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B), NO CITATION ISSUED
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO SERVICE AGREEMENT OF PROOF THAT THE OWNER OF THE BUILDING HANDLES THE OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DUMPSTER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A LEASE OR CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR THE FACILTIY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B), NO CITATION ISSUED
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections