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Aurora · Licensed center

The Children's Courtyard

childrenscourtyard.com

At a glance

  • Large center, licensed for 206 children.
  • The Children's Courtyard: owned by American Securities (private equity).

What to know

License: 6 weeks to 12 years (state).

The license is the range the state allows. It does not say which ages have openings.

What the state has found

The state cited rules at 9 of its 13 licensing inspections since April 2019.

See each inspection

Licensing inspections

  • Aug 31, 2026Nothing cited
  • Apr 29, 202625 citations
    • Qualifications for Child Care Director

      • Qualifications for Child Care Director

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.130(i)

    • Staffing Structure

      • Staffing Structure

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.90(e)(3)(a)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(6)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(8)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(f)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

    • Napping and Sleeping

      • Napping and Sleeping

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c)

    • Medications

      • Medications

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e)

    • Organization and Administration

      • Organization and Administration

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)

    • Organization and Administration

      • Organization and Administration

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1)

    • Organization and Administration

      • Organization and Administration

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(2)

    • Organization and Administration

      • Organization and Administration

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(3)

    • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

      • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(h)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)

    • Health Requirements for Children

      • Health Requirements for Children

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)

    • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

      • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2)

    • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

      • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(3)

    • Outdoor Play Area

      • Outdoor Play Area

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.390(i)(3)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC7.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC7.

  • Apr 4, 2025Nothing cited
  • Feb 19, 202517 citations
    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(6)

    • Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

      • Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(e)(3)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(2)

    • Health Requirements for Children

      • Health Requirements for Children

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(l)

    • Napping and Sleeping

      • Napping and Sleeping

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c)

    • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

      • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3)

    • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

      • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(r)(3)

    • Equipment and Materials

      • Equipment and Materials

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(j)(7)

    • Equipment and Materials

      • Equipment and Materials

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

  • Nov 6, 2024Nothing cited
  • Apr 29, 202421 citations
    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(6)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

    • Grouping and Staffing

      • Grouping and Staffing

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(a)

    • Grouping and Staffing

      • Grouping and Staffing

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(b)

    • Grouping and Staffing

      • Grouping and Staffing

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(c)

    • Grouping and Staffing

      • Grouping and Staffing

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(f)

    • Grouping and Staffing

      • Grouping and Staffing

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(g)

    • Program Requirements for All Ages

      • Program Requirements for All Ages

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(f)(5)

    • Program Requirements for All Ages

      • Program Requirements for All Ages

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(g)

    • Program Requirements for All Ages

      • Program Requirements for All Ages

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(j)

    • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

      • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(c)(9)

    • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

      • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(4)(a)

    • Nutrition and Meal Service

      • Nutrition and Meal Service

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(f)

    • Nutrition and Meal Service

      • Nutrition and Meal Service

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(f)(1)

    • Napping and Sleeping

      • Napping and Sleeping

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

  • Apr 27, 202315 citations
    • Organization and Administration

      • Organization and Administration

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(l)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(f)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(2)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(3)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(4)

    • Guidance and Discipline

      • Guidance and Discipline

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(5)

    • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

      • Physical Plant/Indoor Space

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(p)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

  • Feb 24, 20227 citations
    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)

    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

    • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

      • Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(d)

    • Health Requirements for Children

      • Health Requirements for Children

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(4)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

  • Feb 18, 2022Nothing cited
  • Mar 10, 20214 citations
    • General Requirements for Personnel

      • General Requirements for Personnel

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)

    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

  • Mar 18, 20204 citations
    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)

    • Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers

      • Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.210(b)

    • Medications

      • Medications

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e)

    • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

      • A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

  • Aug 22, 20191 citation
    • Personnel Records

      • Personnel Records

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

  • Apr 17, 20193 citations
    • Program Requirements for All Ages

      • Program Requirements for All Ages

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(d)

    • Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

      • Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d)

    • Napping and Sleeping

      • Napping and Sleeping

        89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c)

The state cited rules at 9 of this center's 13 inspections. Most Chicago-area centers inspected 10 or more times had rules cited at some but not all of theirs, as this center did: 78% of 868.

How all 868 Chicago-area centers inspected 10 or more times compare

Of the 868 Chicago-area centers the state inspected 10 or more times, how many of those inspections cited a rule:

  • Some78%This center
  • All22%
Read every record and the state’s reports

Across The Children's Courtyard's 5 locations in the Chicago area, it cited something at 66% of 32 visits.

State record — Illinois DCFS

Last visit
August 31, 2026
On file
13 visits since April 2019 — 4 cited nothing
Fixed?
The latest correction deadline was May 22, 2026. 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.

Aug 2026 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited
Apr 2026 Monitoring visit 25 findings

Monitoring visit · April 29, 2026

General Requirements for Personnel

7 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (f) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(c)(6) · 407.100(c)(7) · 407.100(c)(8) · 407.100(d) · 407.100(f)

Organization and Administration

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e) through (3) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e) · 407.70(e)(1) · 407.70(e)(2) · 407.70(e)(3)

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) through (4) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2) through (3) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2) · 407.370(f)(3)

Staffing Structure

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.90(e)(3)(a) · Violation substantiated

Qualifications for Child Care Director

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.130(i) · Violation substantiated

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(1)(h) · Repeat violation

Guidance and Discipline

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) · Repeat violation

Health Requirements for Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a) · Repeat violation

Napping and Sleeping

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c) · Repeat violation

Medications

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e) · Repeat violation

Outdoor Play Area

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.390(i)(3) · Repeat violation

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Repeat violation

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC7.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Violation substantiated

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Apr 2025 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited
Feb 2025 Monitoring visit 17 findings

Monitoring visit · February 19, 2025

Personnel Records

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) through (6) · Violation substantiated · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(1) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4) · 407.120(a)(6)

General Requirements for Personnel

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (d) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(c)(7) · 407.100(d)

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) through (r)(3) · Repeat violation · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) · 407.370(r)(3)

Equipment and Materials

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b) through (j)(7) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b) · 407.380(j)(7)

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(e)(3) · Violation substantiated

Guidance and Discipline

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(2) · Violation substantiated

Health Requirements for Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(l) · Violation substantiated

Napping and Sleeping

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c) · Repeat violation

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Repeat violation

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Repeat violation

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Nov 2024 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited
Apr 2024 Monitoring visit 21 findings

Monitoring visit · April 29, 2024

General Requirements for Personnel

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (d) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(c)(6) · 407.100(c)(7) · 407.100(d)

Grouping and Staffing

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(a) through (g) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(a) · 407.190(b) · 407.190(c) · 407.190(f) · 407.190(g)

Program Requirements for All Ages

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(f)(5) through (j) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(f)(5) · 407.200(g) · 407.200(j)

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) through (4) · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(c)(9) through (i)(4)(a) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(c)(9) · 407.250(i)(4)(a)

Nutrition and Meal Service

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(f) through (1) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(f) · 407.330(f)(1)

Napping and Sleeping

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c) · Repeat violation

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Repeat violation

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Apr 2023 Monitoring visit 15 findings

Monitoring visit · April 27, 2023

Guidance and Discipline

6 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) through (5) · Violation substantiated

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) · 407.270(a)(1) · 407.270(a)(2) · 407.270(a)(3) · 407.270(a)(4) · 407.270(a)(5)

General Requirements for Personnel

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (f) · Violation substantiated · Repeat violation

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(d) · 407.100(f)

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) through (4) · Repeat violation

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 substantiated

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(p) · Violation substantiated

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Repeat violation

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Feb 2022 Monitoring visit 7 findings

Monitoring visit · February 24, 2022

General Requirements for Personnel

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c) through (d) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c) · 407.100(d)

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) through (4) · Rule cited again · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(d) · Violation corrected

Health Requirements for Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(4) · Violation corrected

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Rule cited again

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Feb 2022 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited
Mar 2021 Monitoring visit 4 findings

Monitoring visit · March 10, 2021

General Requirements for Personnel

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · Violation corrected

Personnel Records

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · Rule cited again

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Rule cited again

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, CCASEC4.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Mar 2020 Monitoring visit 4 findings

Monitoring visit · March 18, 2020

Personnel Records

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · Violation corrected

Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.210(b) · Violation corrected

Medications

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e) · Violation corrected

A citation the state’s report lists only by its code, FHSEC305.

0 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code · Violation corrected on site

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Aug 2019 Monitoring visit 1 finding

Monitoring visit · August 22, 2019

Personnel Records

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Apr 2019 Monitoring visit 3 findings

Monitoring visit · April 17, 2019

Program Requirements for All Ages

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(d) · Violation corrected

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d) · Violation corrected on site

Napping and Sleeping

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.350(c) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 576797 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Details

Phone
(630) 851-4414
Address
701 Shoreline Dr, Aurora, 60504

We couldn’t find some information that may matter to your decision: openings, child care subsidies, cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, and sick and biting policies. We can ask the program for you and copy you in.

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Sources 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

From Illinois DCFS’s published reports, last checked November 8, 2026.

Details

The Children’s Courtyard is one of Learning Care Group's brands. The private-equity firm American Securities lists Learning Care Group among its current companies, an investment it made in 2014. american-securities.com

Large means the biggest quarter of Chicago-area’s 1,948 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 119 to 487 children. Small is 8 to 48; medium is 49 to 118.

The ages on the license are what the state licenses it to care for, which can be wider than the ages it takes.

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