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School · Chicago, IL

Alessandro Volta Elementary

4950 N Avers St

Last inspected Apr 1, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 1, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE HOT WATER FAUCET AND COLD WATER FAUCET NOT WORKING ON THE LEFT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE 2ND FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM. OBSERVED ONE OF TWO HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE 3RD FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM, ONE OF THREE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE 3RD FLOOR BOYS RESTROOM, AND ONE OF FOUR HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE GIRLS ANNEX BUILDING RESTROOM UNABLE TO PROVIDE RUNNING WATER FOR THE HOT WATER FAUCETS. OBSERVED FIRST TOILET STALL IN THE 3RD FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TOILET AND HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A WASTECAN WITH A LID FOR PRE-K BUILDING EMPLOYEE RESTROOM FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN/MISSING DOOR FOR FIRST TOILET IN THE 3RD FLOOR BOYS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 1, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 30, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOOR GIRL'S RESTROOMS. HOT WATER MEASURED BETWEEN 55F-56F ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 57-73F ON THE SECOND FLOOR, AND 72-73F ON THE THIRD FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AND MAXIMUM OF 120F. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-030(C).

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE CAFETERIA ON THE FLOOR IN THE RIGHT CORNER UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, 15 OR LESS UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNIT NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, 20 ON THE FLOOR IN BETWEEN MILK COOLER AND PREP TABLE, AND 10 ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO MILK COOLER BESIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE AND CLEAN ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL THE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY FROM THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-020(A)

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE HOT WATER FAUCET AND COLD WATER FAUCET NOT WORKING ON THE LEFT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE 2ND FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM. OBSERVED ONE OF TWO HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE 3RD FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM, ONE OF THREE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE 3RD FLOOR BOYS RESTROOM, AND ONE OF FOUR HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE GIRLS ANNEX BUILDING RESTROOM UNABLE TO PROVIDE RUNNING WATER FOR THE HOT WATER FAUCETS. OBSERVED FIRST TOILET STALL IN THE 3RD FLOOR GIRLS RESTROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TOILET AND HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A WASTECAN WITH A LID FOR PRE-K BUILDING EMPLOYEE RESTROOM FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN/MISSING DOOR FOR FIRST TOILET IN THE 3RD FLOOR BOYS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 30, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 22, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS IN STUDENT RESTROOMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING STUDENTS AND STAFF TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE EXERCISE MATS STORED IN THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE AND OUTDOOR WASTE ENCLOSURE WHICH TAKES UP THE MAJORITY OF SPACE PROVIDED IN RECEPTACLES FOR FOOD WASTE. INSTRUCTED TO REQUEST OR SCHEDULE EARLY WASTE PICK UP FROM WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE FREQUENCY OF REMOVAL SUCH THAT WASTE RECEPTACLES DO NOT OVERFILL WITH FOOD WASTE.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 22, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 26, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11--Observed stained ceiling tiles from leaks in ceiling. Determine source of leak, and repair or replace all affected ceiling tiles.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 26, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 21, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15-- Observed exterior doors of main entrance to 001 and 002 have gaps at base in center. Provides access to exterior. Instructed to pest proof and seal exterior doors from pests, and to maintain.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15--Observed three (3) loose faucets in the following bathrooms: Girls bathroom near 130/131. Main building, 3rd floor girls bathroom. Repair or replace loose faucets in each bathroom.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11--Observed stained ceiling tiles from leaks in ceiling. Determine source of leak, and repair or replace all affected ceiling tiles.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (B-D)--Observed two (2) metered faucets at hand sinks in boys bathroom on 2nd floor running for less than 15 seconds. Repair or replace to ensure continuous flow of water for 15 seconds is provided.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS #38,#54 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2590919 DATED: 03/13/2024 #38--6-501.111:CONTINUE TO OBSERVE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVE APPROXIMATELY 10 RODENT(MICE)DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND AND IN BETWEEN STORAGE CABINETS STORED ALONG THE WINDOWS AND 20 RODENT(MICE)ON FLOORS BEHIND AND AROUND STORED BOXED EQUIPMENTS,TOYS AND UNDERNEATH CLUTTERED CABINET IN SAME CONNECTING STORAGE ROOM BETWEEN BOTH PRE-K CLASSROOMS IN (OUTSIDE MODULAR PRE-CLASSROOMS#001,#002).OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT(MICE)DROPPINGS IN WALL HEATERS AND ON TOP OF BOOK SHELFS IN SAME AREA IN (OUTSIDE ANNEX PRE-K CLASSROOM#131) AND APPROXIMATELY 45 RODENT(MICE)DROPPINGS ON FLOORS AND CORNERS IN THE FOLLOWING CLUTTERED AREAS ELECTRICAL ROOM AND BOILER ROOM LOCATED NEXT TO ANNEX PRE-K CLASSROOMS #128 AND #130.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. #54--5-501.15: Observed exterior receptacles overflowing with trash bags, containers with lids not closed and covered, and loose debris on ground surrounding dumpsters. Instructed to maintain area, detail clean, and properly cover all dumpsters with tight fitting lids to eliminate potential for pests.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 21, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 13, 2024

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

Observed three (3) loose faucets in the following bathrooms: Girls bathroom near 130/131. Main building, 3rd floor girls bathroom. Repair or replace loose faucets in each bathroom.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

Observed evidence of pests and droppings in the following locations: Classroom 001 - observed less than 10 droppings on the floor, in between storage totes, and on the toys. Classroom 002 - observed less than 10 droppings on floor behind teachers desk and storage items on shelf. Storage closet between 001 and 002 - observed less than 10 droppings scattered on the floor behind storage totes and behind the door in the storage closet. Classroom 131 - observed less than 10 mouse droppings in storage area behind teachers desk along window. Area needs to be cleaned and all unnecessary items to be removed. Classroom 131 - droppings observed (less than 10) along the south wall behind student play furniture and shelves. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize all affected areas and recommend a pest control service. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-020 (a).

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

Observed cookie sheet stored on floor in between oven and standing cooler. Store all food prep items in easily cleanable surfaces.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

Observed debris and loose food wrappers on storage shelves in dry storage area in break room. Maintain area and provide routine cleaning to control any build up.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

Observed exterior receptacles overflowing with trash bags, containers with lids not closed and covered, and loose debris on ground surrounding dumpsters. Instructed to maintain area, detail clean, and properly cover all dumpsters with tight fitting lids to eliminate potential for pests. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(b).

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

Observed peeling paint debris and walls and ceilings in disrepair in the following locations: On Ceilings above cafeteria tables in the main dining hall. On ceilings and walls in the 2nd floor girls bathroom, 2nd floor boys bathroom, 3rd floor girls bathroom. Walls of dry storage area on first floor Repair all surfaces to be smooth and easily cleanable.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

Observed missing paper towels in 2nd floor boys bathroom handwashing sinks. Custodian replaced paper towels on site. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-030(c).

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 12Food temperature

Official wording

FOOD RECEIVED AT PROPER TEMPERATURE

Inspector’s notes

Observed TCS food, chicken patty meals, being received during inspection improperly at 44 to 49 degrees. Determined top 4 rows were above 41 degree threshold, and the 75 single meals, weighing approximately 25 lbs and valued at $150, were discarded. Discussed with manager to ensure all foods being received are checked upon arrival. Priority violation 7-38-005.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

Missing thermometer in standing cooler used to hold vegetables in main cafeteria. Provided replacement on site.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

Observed ice accumulation in on floor in walk in freezer in cafeteria. Instructed to remove ice and maintain area clear of ice.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

Observed burnt out light bulbs for light fixture inside storage closet located in the outside modular pre-k classrooms#001,#002.Instructed to provide and maintain adequate lighting and maintain at all times.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 13, 2024 · Original Source

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