Safety is often the first thing parents think about when they choose a daycare. Many of the most important features are easy to see on a visit. Knowing what to look for, and what to ask, can help you feel more confident in your choice.
Start with a calm, unhurried visit
Plan a visit when you can take your time. Ask to walk through the space, and pay attention to how it feels. Do the children seem settled? Do the staff greet you warmly and answer your questions? Your own sense of calm is a useful signal, and it is worth noticing.
Parents are welcome to tour. An open-door policy invites visits, so you can ask to see the classrooms, play areas and entry points before you decide.
Look at video monitoring and cameras
Video monitoring can give you extra peace of mind. Our premises are video-monitored. On a tour, ask which areas are covered, such as entries, hallways and outdoor play spaces. Ask who can review the footage and how long it is kept. A clear answer tells you the center has thought about supervision and privacy.
Cameras are only one part of supervision, though. Watch how staff move through the rooms and how they keep eyes on the children. Attentive adults matter most.
Notice the intercom and classroom connections
A closed-circuit intercom between classrooms helps staff communicate quickly. When a teacher needs help or a door needs attention, a quick call can make a real difference. Ask how the intercom is used during a normal day and what happens when a teacher steps out of a room.
Also ask how classrooms are arranged. Look for clear sight lines, safe furniture and a plan for moving children from room to room.
Check private parking and drop-off routines
Arrival and departure are busy times for everyone. Private parking gives families a space to pull in and walk children safely to the door, without weaving through traffic. Ask where you should park, how you should walk your child in, and how the drop-off routine works on a busy morning.
Take note of crosswalks, curbs and gates on your way in. A calm, predictable routine makes the day easier for your child and for you.
Look closely at the playground
Outdoor play is a big part of the day. Look at the playground surface, the fencing and the shade. Our synthetic-turf playground is one example of a surface to ask about. Check that equipment looks sturdy, that gates latch properly and that there are no sharp edges or loose pieces.
Ask how the outdoor space is supervised. Find out how often children go outside and how staff manage play time when the weather changes.
Ask how the doors and pick-up work
Entry and exit points tell you a lot about daily safety. Ask who can enter the building, how visitors sign in, and how pick-up authorization is handled. You should know exactly who is allowed to collect your child, and how the center confirms that before a child leaves.
Notice whether doors close fully and whether staff check who is coming in. Small habits like these add up over a full day.
Watch the daily routines
A tour is a snapshot, but it can still show a lot. Watch how staff greet children, how they handle transitions and how they respond when a child is upset. Look at how meals, naps and diaper changes are handled. These routines show how carefully the center supports children from start to finish.
Ask whether you can observe a classroom during a typical part of the day. Seeing the rhythm of the room gives you a clearer picture than any brochure.
Questions to ask on a tour
Write your questions down before you visit, so you do not forget them. Helpful questions include:
- What is the adult-to-child ratio in my child's classroom?
- How are staff trained for emergencies and drills?
- How are parents told about an illness, an injury or an incident during the day?
- How is pick-up authorization confirmed?
- How is communication handled between staff and families?
A good center will answer these questions openly and clearly. If an answer feels unclear, ask again or ask for a written policy.
Language and communication
Communication matters for young children and their families. Our programs are bilingual English-Spanish immersion, in every classroom from infant through VPK. Sign language is used with infants and toddlers, which can help them express needs before they have words.
Ask how staff share daily updates with you. Good communication helps you understand your child's day and feel connected to their care.
Meals, health and daily questions
Meals are coordinated with the Florida Department of Health. Ask what your child will eat, how allergies are handled and how meals are served. For health questions specific to your child, your child's doctor is the best person to ask. You can also ask the center how illnesses and medicine are handled during the day.
Hours, programs and VPK
We are open Monday to Friday, from 6:30am to 6:00pm. Programs include infant care, one-year-old, two-year-old, three-year-old and four-year-old classes, along with VPK, before and after school care and summer camp.
VPK is offered through a partnership with the Early Learning Coalition. VPK is free to eligible Florida four-year-olds. Ask about the paperwork and the steps to enroll, and call to ask about availability.
An owner-run center with a family feel
My First Place Academy is owner-run. Owners Veronica and Aracelly Forero are involved day to day, so you can ask questions directly. That closeness can make a big difference when you are deciding where your child will spend their days.
Serving Indiantown and nearby families
We are a bilingual daycare and preschool in Port St. Lucie, and we welcome families from across the area, including Fort Pierce, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Stuart and Indiantown. You can learn more about our health and safety practices, or read about our Indiantown service area.
Want to see these features for yourself? Call My First Place Academy at (772) 446-4011 to plan a visit and ask about availability. We would be glad to show you around and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety features should I look for on a daycare tour?
Look at video monitoring, the intercom between classrooms, private parking, playground surfaces and fencing, and how entry and pick-up are handled.
What should I ask about pick-up at daycare?
Ask who can enter the building, how visitors sign in, and how the center confirms who is allowed to collect your child.
Can I visit the daycare before enrolling?
Yes. Parents are welcome to tour, and the center invites visits. Call (772) 446-4011 to plan a time.
Is VPK free in Florida?
VPK is free to eligible Florida four-year-olds. My First Place Academy offers VPK through a partnership with the Early Learning Coalition, so call to ask about the steps.
Call (772) 446-4011 to plan a visit
Call My First Place Academy or schedule a tour and see the classrooms in use.