Canvass
May 11, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 11, 2026 · Original Source
Daycare Above and Under 2 Years · Chicago, IL
First Start Childcare Academy
5700 S Ashland Ave
Last inspected May 11, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsLicense Re-Inspection
Apr 30, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM NEAR LOVE BUGS ROOM.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-202.15: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTH LOWER SIDES AT REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM TADPOLES-CUBBIES,BUMBLE BEES-SHELVING UNITS & CUBBIES,LOVEBUGS-CUBBIES & SHELVING UNITS.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 30, 2025 · Original Source
License
Apr 28, 2025
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM NEAR LOVE BUGS ROOM.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 8- LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND FLYING AROUND IN KITCHEN AND 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING INSIDE OF DRAWER AT 2-DOOR STORAGE CABINET.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/28/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM TADPOLES-CUBBIES,BUMBLE BEES-SHELVING UNITS & CUBBIES,LOVEBUGS-CUBBIES & SHELVING UNITS.
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 problemsnotedCode 50Other
Official wording
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER THROUGHOUT PREMISES AT HAND SINKS IN KITCHEN-79.3F,BOY'S TOILET ROOM-81.3F-95.0F.GIRL'S-82.0F-88.0F.STAFF TOILET ROOMS-88.7F-92.0F.3- COMPARTMENT SINK-79.3F. MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINKS AT 100.0F AND 110.0F FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.HOT RUNNING WATER IS RESTORED IN KITCHEN & STAFF TOILET ROOMS BUT NOT IN KID'S TOILET ROOMS AT THIS.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY WATER PIPE AT HOT WATER TANK.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR IN HOT WATER TANK/STORAGE AREA AND KEEP DRY.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 28, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 24, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASES IN SUPERSTARS,LOVEBUGS & BUMBLEBEES.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
6-202.11 : MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN ALL CLASS ROOMS
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 24, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 16, 2024
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE IN KITCHEN OBSERVED A DISH RACK WITH DISHES STORED ON TOP OF HAND SINK AND TOAST IS BEING PREPARED NOT ABLE TO WASH HANDS. DISH RACK WAS REMOVED DURING INSPECTION. MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK IN KITCHEN.
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 contaminationnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD CABINET SURFACES IN KITCHEN.
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 problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN STAFF TOILET ROOMS.
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 problemsnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
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 issuesnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM ALL CLASS ROOMS CUBBIES AND SHELVING UNITS,WINDOW SILLS IN SUPERSTARS.FOOD SPLATTER ON CABINETS IN KITCHEN.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP IN TADPOLE FREEZER.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASES IN SUPERSTARS,LOVEBUGS & BUMBLEBEES.STAINED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN LOVEBUGS,KITCHEN.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source