Chicago · Licensed center
Smart Learning Center
- Large center, licensed for 137 children.
What these mean, and where they come from
Large means the biggest quarter of Chicago-area’s 1,949 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 119 to 487 children. Small is 8 to 48; medium is 49 to 118.
Shortlist doesn’t have these yet: cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, sick and biting policies.
What the state has found
Routine visits: 14 of 14 cited something
Chicago-area centers: the state cites something at about 5 in 6 routine visits.
From Illinois DCFS’s published reports, last checked September 25, 2026.
Read every record and the state’s reports
State record — Illinois DCFS
- Last visit
- September 25, 2025
- On file
- 14 visits since October 2011 — all of them cited findings
- Fixed?
- The latest correction deadline was December 3, 2025. Illinois DCFS does not publish whether it was made.
- Most serious
- Illinois DCFS does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.
Illinois DCFS cites each subsection of a rule separately, so one audit of a filing cabinet can produce ten citations. It publishes the rule’s title and a correction deadline, but no description of what was observed.
Sep 2025 Monitoring visit 7 findings
Monitoring visit · September 25, 2025
Personnel Records
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120 through (a)(3) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120 · 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(a) through (e)(3) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(a) · 407.370(e)(3)
Organization and Administration
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e) · Violation corrected
General Requirements for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Jan 2025 Monitoring visit 6 findings
Monitoring visit · January 23, 2025
General Requirements for Personnel
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) through (f) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(c)(6) · 407.100(f)
Background Checks for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.110 · Violation corrected
Personnel Records
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4) · Violation corrected
Program Requirements for All Ages
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(i) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Sep 2021 Monitoring visit 1 finding
Monitoring visit · September 28, 2021
Personnel Records
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Oct 2018 Monitoring visit 2 findings
Monitoring visit · October 22, 2018
General Requirements for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · Violation corrected
Background Checks for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.110 · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Sep 2017 Monitoring visit 5 findings
Monitoring visit · September 20, 2017
Medications
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(b) through (e) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(b) · 407.360(b)(1) · 407.360(e)
Personnel Records
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · Violation corrected on site
Health Requirements for Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(5) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Aug 2014 Monitoring visit 16 findings
Monitoring visit · August 12, 2014
Program Requirements for All Ages
4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(c) through (j) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(c) · 407.200(d)(4) · 407.200(f)(4) · 407.200(j)
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(g) through (i) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(g) · 407.250(i)(1)(h) · 407.250(i)(1)(i)
General Requirements for Personnel
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (h) · Rule cited again · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(h)
Personnel Records
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (4) · Rule cited again
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(4)
Hand Washing
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.320(a)(2) through (b)(8) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.320(a)(2) · 407.320(b)(8)
Background Checks for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.110 · Rule cited again
Special Requirements for School-Age Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.220(c)(2) · Violation corrected
Nutrition and Meal Service
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(p)(1) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Oct 2013 Monitoring visit 10 findings
Monitoring visit · October 9, 2013
Personnel Records
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (4) · Rule cited again
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)
Volunteers
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.180(b) through (c) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.180(b) · 407.180(c)
Nutrition and Meal Service
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(b) through (f)(3) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(b) · 407.330(f)(3)
General Requirements for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · Rule cited again
Background Checks for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.110 · Rule cited again
Qualifications for Early Childhood Assistants and School-age Assistants
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.150(d) · Rule cited again
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Sep 2013 Monitoring visit 12 findings
Monitoring visit · September 13, 2013
Personnel Records
5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) through (6) · Rule cited again
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) · 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4) · 407.120(a)(6)
General Requirements for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · Violation corrected
Background Checks for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.110 · Violation corrected
Qualifications for Early Childhood Assistants and School-age Assistants
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.150(d) · Violation corrected
Grouping and Staffing
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(f) · Violation corrected
Program Requirements for All Ages
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(p) · Violation corrected
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d) · Rule cited again
Guidance and Discipline
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) · Rule cited again
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Feb 2013 Monitoring visit 11 findings
Monitoring visit · February 6, 2013
Personnel Records
4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) through (6) · Violation corrected · Rule cited again
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) · 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(6)
Organization and Administration
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e) through (k) · Rule cited again
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e) · 407.70(k)
Nutrition and Meal Service
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(g) through (l)(1) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(g) · 407.330(l)(1)
Provisions Pertaining to the License
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.60(g) · Violation corrected
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d) · Rule cited again
Guidance and Discipline
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) · Rule cited again
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Nov 2012 Monitoring visit 6 findings
Monitoring visit · November 28, 2012
Personnel Records
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) through (4) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)
Organization and Administration
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(l) · Violation corrected
Special Requirements for School-Age Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.220(i) · Violation corrected
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d) · Violation corrected
Equipment and Materials
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Feb 2012 Monitoring visit 5 findings
Monitoring visit · February 24, 2012
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(d) through (h) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(d) · 407.250(i)(1)(e) · 407.250(i)(1)(g) · 407.250(i)(1)(h)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(4) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Dec 2011 Monitoring visit 14 findings
Monitoring visit · December 21, 2011
Personnel Records
6 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) through (6) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) · 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4) · 407.120(a)(5) · 407.120(a)(6)
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1) through (3) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1) · 407.250(i)(2) · 407.250(i)(3)
Staffing Structure
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.90(d) · Violation corrected
General Requirements for Personnel
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(h) · Violation corrected
Qualifications for Child Care Director
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.130(j) · Violation corrected
Hand Washing
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.320(a)(2) · Violation corrected
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(b) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Nov 2011 Monitoring visit 5 findings
Monitoring visit · November 29, 2011
Special Requirements for School-Age Children
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.220(d)(2) through (i) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.220(d)(2) · 407.220(i)
Personnel Records
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4) · Violation corrected
Nutrition and Meal Service
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(k) · Violation corrected
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(6) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
Oct 2011 Monitoring visit 6 findings
Monitoring visit · October 26, 2011
Health Requirements for Children
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a) through (5) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a) · 407.310(a)(5)
Hand Washing
2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.320(a)(1) through (2) · Violation corrected
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.320(a)(1) · 407.320(a)(2)
Personnel Records
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · Violation corrected
Nutrition and Meal Service
1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(f) · Violation corrected
DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 509641 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.
How the comparison is built
Routine visits: across Chicago-area centers, the state cites something at about 5 in 6 routine visits (19,088 visits).
Details
- Address
- 2841 S Archer Ave
- License
- license issued (il)
Do you run Smart Learning Center? Shortlist has no tuition, hours or ratios for it, because the state does not publish that. Adding it is free and takes about ten minutes.
Add what is missingSources and dates
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
State record
Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.
Details
- Phone, Address, License — Checked July 2026 sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov. To check it, open sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov's Licensed Provider Lookup, enter "SMART LEARNING CENTER" under Provider Name and 60608 under Zip, and press Search (DCFS provider 509641).
- Website — Checked August 2026 smartlearningcenter.weebly.com