Health Inspections Reveal Concerning Patterns at Chicago Childcare Centers

Inspection Overview

CHICAGO, IL - Nearly one in four Chicago childcare centers failed health inspections during the first four months of 2025, according to an analysis of official inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. The investigation by CleanKitchens.org reveals troubling patterns of rodent infestations, inadequate handwashing facilities, and maintenance issues that could potentially impact the health and safety of children across the city.

Between January 1 and April 26, 2025, health inspectors conducted 100 inspections at childcare facilities throughout Chicago. Of these inspections, 23 resulted in failures, representing a 23% failure rate. The data shows a total of 254 violations were documented, with several facilities accumulating multiple infractions during a single inspection.

"These findings are particularly concerning given that these facilities care for some of our most vulnerable populations—young children whose developing immune systems may be more susceptible to environmental hazards," said a spokesperson from CleanKitchens.org. "Parents entrust these centers with their children's wellbeing, and maintaining proper sanitation is a fundamental responsibility."

Most Common Violations

The analysis revealed several recurring issues across Chicago's childcare centers. The most frequently cited violations fell into five main categories:

Physical facility maintenance issues were the most prevalent, with violations ranging from damaged ceiling tiles and walls to improper storage of cleaning equipment. These issues, while seemingly minor individually, collectively create environments where contaminants can accumulate and potentially affect children's health.

Rodent and insect infestations represented some of the most serious violations. Several facilities were cited for having significant numbers of rodent droppings throughout their premises, including in classrooms, food preparation areas, and storage spaces where children's items are kept.

Rodent Infestations: A Widespread Problem

Perhaps the most alarming finding from the inspection data is the prevalence of rodent infestations in childcare facilities. Multiple centers were cited for having extensive evidence of mice activity, with droppings found in areas directly accessible to children.

At Village House, LLC, inspectors documented "over 100 mice droppings scattered on floor along walls and rolling cart in kitchen, on floor along walls and corners in storage room, on floor along walls and corners in utility closet, on floor along walls and corners in staff washroom, on floor, computer tables and window ledges in classroom and office areas." This facility failed its January 28 inspection.

Similarly, Oakdale Covenant Church Academy and Child Care Center was cited for "approximately 75 or more mice droppings" found throughout the facility, including in the kitchen, food storage areas, and multiple classrooms. The inspector noted droppings "on top of plastic lid of bin, on floor under shelving units, inside of large plastic bin on storage shelf" and in several pre-K classrooms.

One of the most severe cases was at Learning Tree Preschool and Nursery, Inc., where inspectors documented "over 100 rat droppings noted scattered throughout basement floor" during an April 1 inspection. The facility was instructed to "remove all droppings, clean and sanitize all affected areas, and contact pest control for service."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rodents can transmit a variety of diseases to humans through direct contact with their droppings, urine, or saliva, or through indirect contact via fleas, ticks, or mites that have fed on an infected rodent. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to their tendency to put their hands in their mouths and their developing immune systems.

Handwashing and Plumbing Issues

Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in childcare settings. However, the inspection data reveals that many facilities have inadequate handwashing facilities, potentially compromising this critical infection control measure.

At Molade' Child Development Center, inspectors found "no running hot water at the single handwashing wash bowl sinks in the staff washroom at 87.4F, the Grasshopper classroom at 88.3F and the Caterpillar room at 95.5F." The facility was cited for a priority violation, as water temperature at handwashing sinks must be at least 100°F.

Similarly, Smart From The Start, LLC was cited for hot water temperatures of only 94.3°F-96.1°F at handwashing sinks in the boys' toilet room and just 71.6°F at a classroom hand sink.

Other common handwashing violations included:

• Missing soap or paper towels at handwashing sinks
• Lack of handwashing signage in classrooms and restrooms
• Low water pressure at handwashing sinks
• Inaccessible handwashing sinks (blocked or used for other purposes)

Plumbing issues were also common across many facilities. These ranged from leaking faucets and pipes to more serious problems like sewage backups. At East Side Child Development, inspectors noted "leaking overhead pipe in basement storage area, leaking cold water handle on 3-compartment sink and no hot water at left sink in girls first floor washroom."

These plumbing issues not only affect the functionality of essential facilities but can also create moisture problems that contribute to mold growth and attract pests—compounding the sanitation challenges these centers face.

Certification and Documentation Gaps

Another concerning pattern revealed in the inspection data is the lack of proper food safety certification and documentation at several childcare centers. Given that many of these facilities prepare and serve meals to children, these gaps represent a significant potential risk.

At ICCI Kids Care, inspectors found "no person with a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate posted on site" during both their March 26 and April 11 inspections. The facility was cited for a priority foundation violation, as having a certified food manager is required whenever time/temperature control foods are being prepared or served.

Similarly, Bright Scholars Clubhouse Prep was cited because the "PIC [person in charge] doesn't have a certified food managers certificate" and there was "no valid certified food managers certificate posted to view while TCS foods were prepared, handled and served such as (rice, chicken, green beans)."

Other documentation issues included:

• Missing employee health policies
• Lack of vomit and diarrhea clean-up kits and procedures
• Absent or incomplete pest control log books
• Missing food handler training certificates

These documentation requirements exist to ensure that facilities have proper protocols in place for food safety and emergency response. Their absence suggests potential gaps in staff training and preparedness that could affect children's safety.

Facilities with Multiple Violations

While many facilities had only minor or isolated issues, several childcare centers accumulated multiple serious violations across different inspections, suggesting systemic problems with their sanitation practices.

Village House, LLC failed its January 28 inspection with six violations, including extensive rodent infestation. Despite being instructed to address these issues, the facility was still cited for two violations during a follow-up inspection on February 4, and again for two violations on February 5.

Learning Tree Preschool and Nursery, Inc. failed three separate inspections between April 1 and April 16, 2025. The facility was first cited for over 100 rat droppings in the basement, then for failing to correct a previous priority foundation violation, before finally passing an inspection on April 16.

ICCI Kids Care failed inspections on both March 26 (with 10 violations) and April 11 (with 3 violations). The facility was cited repeatedly for lacking a certified food manager, having no employee health policy, and not having proper ventilation in children's toilet rooms.

These patterns of repeated violations suggest that some facilities may be struggling to implement sustainable solutions to their sanitation challenges, potentially putting children at ongoing risk.

Exemplary Facilities

While this investigation highlights concerning patterns, it's important to note that many childcare centers in Chicago maintain excellent sanitation standards. Several facilities passed their inspections with zero violations, demonstrating that proper sanitation practices are achievable despite the challenges.

Facilities that consistently passed inspections with zero violations include:

• Park West Cooperative Nursery School
• UChicago Child Development Center Stony Island
• UChicago Child Development Center Drexel
• Cuddle Care (after addressing previous violations)
• Chicago Commons Guadalupano Family

These facilities demonstrate that maintaining proper sanitation standards is possible and provide models for other childcare centers to emulate.

Public Health Implications

The sanitation issues identified in this investigation have significant public health implications, particularly for the vulnerable population of young children served by these facilities.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children in group childcare settings are at increased risk for infectious diseases due to their close proximity to one another and their developing immune systems. Proper sanitation practices—including handwashing, food safety, and pest control—are essential for reducing this risk.

Rodent infestations, in particular, pose serious health risks. According to the CDC, rodents can spread more than 35 diseases to humans, either directly or indirectly. These include Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia, and Salmonella.

The prevalence of handwashing and plumbing issues is also concerning given that proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in childcare settings. Without adequate facilities for handwashing, both staff and children may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.

Furthermore, the lack of proper food safety certification at some facilities raises concerns about the potential for foodborne illness outbreaks. Young children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, which can cause severe dehydration and other complications.

Recommendations for Parents

Based on the findings of this investigation, parents may want to take additional steps to ensure their children's childcare environments are safe and sanitary:

Parents can also check a facility's inspection history on the City of Chicago Data Portal or on CleanKitchens.org, which provides detailed information about violations and inspection outcomes.

If parents observe sanitation issues at their child's facility, they should first discuss their concerns with the center's director. If issues persist, they can file a complaint with the Chicago Department of Public Health, which will trigger an inspection.

Recommendations for Childcare Providers

For childcare providers looking to improve their sanitation practices, this investigation highlights several key areas for focus:

1. Implement comprehensive pest management: Contract with a licensed pest control company for regular service, seal entry points, eliminate clutter that provides harborage, and maintain proper food storage practices.
2. Ensure adequate handwashing facilities: Maintain proper water temperature (minimum 100°F), ensure soap and paper towels are always available, post handwashing signage, and train staff on proper handwashing procedures.
3. Address maintenance issues promptly: Fix leaking pipes, damaged walls, and ceiling tiles quickly to prevent moisture problems that can lead to mold and attract pests.
4. Maintain proper certifications: Ensure at least one person with a City of Chicago Food Sanitation Certificate is present whenever food is being prepared or served, and maintain all required documentation including employee health policies and pest control logs.
5. Implement regular cleaning schedules: Develop and follow detailed cleaning protocols for all areas of the facility, with special attention to food preparation areas, bathrooms, and classrooms.

Resources for childcare providers include the Chicago Department of Public Health, which offers guidance on food safety and sanitation, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, which provides regulations and best practices for childcare environments.

Conclusion

This investigation reveals both concerning patterns and promising practices in the sanitation of Chicago's childcare centers. While the 23% failure rate and prevalence of serious violations like rodent infestations raise significant public health concerns, the many facilities that maintain excellent sanitation standards demonstrate that proper practices are achievable.

The findings underscore the importance of regular health inspections and the need for both parents and providers to prioritize sanitation in childcare environments. By addressing the common issues identified in this investigation—particularly pest control, handwashing facilities, and maintenance problems—childcare centers can create safer, healthier environments for the children in their care.

CleanKitchens.org will continue to monitor and report on health inspection data to promote transparency and accountability in Chicago's food service establishments, including childcare centers. Parents and providers are encouraged to use these resources to make informed decisions about childcare environments.

For the latest updates on health inspections in Chicago, follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/cleankitchenschicago.

Data Source: City of Chicago Data Portal