DA Form 7849: FCC Home Sanitation Inspection Guide – DA Form 7849 is the official U.S. Army form titled FCC Home: Environmental Health Sanitation Inspection. Released by the Department of the Army in May 2019 (ARN16907_A7849_FINAL), this three-page document serves as the standardized checklist for evaluating the sanitation and environmental health conditions of Family Child Care (FCC) homes.
FCC homes provide licensed, in-home child care for military children on U.S. Army installations across the United States. The form ensures these private residences meet strict health and safety standards before and during operation.
Purpose of the FCC Home Environmental Health Sanitation Inspection
The main goal of the DA Form 7849 inspection is to protect the health of children in home-based care by identifying and correcting sanitation risks. Environmental Health specialists use the form to document compliance with requirements for cleanliness, food safety, pest control, waste management, and other factors that could impact child health.
These inspections support the overall certification of FCC programs and help prevent the spread of illness in settings where young children eat, play, and nap together.
Regulatory Framework: AR 608-10, TB MED 531, and DoDI 6060.02
DA Form 7849 is required under AR 608-10 (Child Development Services, 11 May 2017), TB MED 531 (Facility Sanitation Controls and Inspections, March 2019) Chapter 8 Section III, and DoDI 6060.02 (Child Development Programs).
TB MED 531 provides detailed Environmental Health criteria for FCC homes, including approved exceptions to standard food codes for child care settings. DoD policy mandates these inspections as part of the annual Comprehensive Health and Sanitation Inspection and Multidisciplinary Team Inspection (MDTI) process.
Who Conducts DA Form 7849 Inspections?
Qualified Preventive Medicine or Environmental Health personnel (often 68S NCOs, Environmental Science Officers, or civilian sanitarians) perform the inspections. The FCC Program Director or Resource and Referral staff may also conduct or coordinate preliminary checks.
Inspections are unannounced where possible, ensuring real-world conditions are evaluated.
When Are FCC Home Sanitation Inspections Required?
- Initial certification — Before a home can be approved to care for children.
- Annual recertification — At least once per year for continued operation.
- Follow-up or complaint-driven — As needed for corrective actions or reported issues.
DoD policy also requires at least one annual unannounced Comprehensive Health and Sanitation Inspection and one MDTI per FCC program, with a percentage of homes sampled using DA Form 7849 criteria.
Key Areas Covered on DA Form 7849
According to TB MED 531 Chapter 8, the form evaluates:
- Home Food Safety — Approved food sources, proper temperature control (refrigeration/freezer), storage, preparation, dishwashing, and labeling.
- General Sanitation & Hygiene — Cleaning and sanitizing of toys, bedding, linens, bathrooms, diaper-changing areas (kept separate from food zones), and high-touch surfaces.
- Pets and Indoor Plants — Restrictions on animals and toxic plants to reduce allergy, bite, or disease risks.
- Outdoor Play Areas — Fencing, ground maintenance, equipment sanitation, and hazard-free conditions.
- Waste Management & Pest Control — Proper garbage disposal, sewage systems, and evidence of effective rodent/insect control.
- Overall Facility Maintenance — Plumbing, ventilation, lighting, and general cleanliness.
Inspectors mark compliant or deficient items and note corrective actions with timelines.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare for Your DA Form 7849 Inspection?
- Review TB MED 531 Chapter 8 criteria and maintain a daily/weekly cleaning log.
- Check and record refrigerator (≤41°F) and freezer (≤0°F) temperatures daily.
- Prepare and label sanitizing solutions correctly (follow manufacturer instructions and test concentration).
- Ensure all toys, mats, and bedding are clean and in good repair.
- Keep pet vaccination records current and restrict animals from child-care areas during operating hours.
- Inspect outdoor play spaces for debris, standing water, and secure fencing.
- Have all required documentation ready (food logs, cleaning schedules, pest control records).
Common Deficiencies and How to Correct Them
Frequent findings include improper food storage temperatures, inadequate sanitizing frequency, cluttered outdoor areas, and missing labels on cleaning products. Providers receive a copy of the completed DA Form 7849 with specific correction dates. Most deficiencies must be fixed before the next inspection or within 30 days for non-critical items.
Download Official DA Form 7849 PDF
Get the latest fillable version directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN16907_A7849_FINAL.pdf
Print or fill digitally for your records. Always use the official source to ensure you have the current form.
Why DA Form 7849 Matters for US Army Military Families?
For parents stationed in the United States, compliant FCC homes provide safe, affordable, and convenient child care close to home. For spouses interested in becoming FCC providers, passing these inspections is required for certification and continued operation. The process builds trust and supports mission readiness by enabling reliable care for service members.
Frequently Asked Questions About DA Form 7849
How long is a DA Form 7849 inspection valid?
Typically one year from the date of the annual inspection, or until the next required recertification.
Can I see the inspection results?
Yes. FCC providers receive a copy of the completed form. Parents may request summary information through the FCC Program Office.
Is DA Form 7849 used outside the Army?
No. It is specific to U.S. Army Family Child Care programs. Other services use different documentation.
Where can I find more resources?
Refer to your local Army CYS/FCC Program Office, AR 608-10, or TB MED 531 (available on armypubs.army.mil).
Stay compliant, keep your FCC home inspection-ready, and support the health and safety of military children. For the most current guidance, contact your installation Preventive Medicine or Child and Youth Services office.