FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
SMART MINDS DAYCARE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Daycare (2 - 6 years)
October 16, 2025
License
License #3051430
8
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
1
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO SUPPLIES FOR CLEANING VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. MUST ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MOP, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MASK, AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS*) ON SITE TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROIVIDE AND MAINTAIN
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NOTED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOGBOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED."
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO AIR GAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PHYSICAL GAP BETWEEN THE SINK AND THE SEWER LINE TO ENSURE PROPER DRAINAGE OF WASTWATER AND PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF POTABLE- AND WASTE- WATER
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT APPROVED GREASE TRAP ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS, AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED SHALL BE CONNECTED TO AN APPROVED GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT APPROVED GREASE TRAP ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS, AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED SHALL BE CONNECTED TO AN APPROVED GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
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