Hurricane Season and Daycare: What to Ask About Closure Plans

When a storm is coming, parents need a clear plan fast. The best time to ask your daycare about closure plans is before hurricane season starts, not when a storm is on the map. Ask how families will be told, where updates will be posted, and what happens at pick-up time.

Why Closure Plans Matter for Families

Hurricane season can bring sudden schedule changes. A storm may close a center for a day or longer, and the timing is not always easy to predict. Parents often need to plan work, child care and transportation on short notice. A clear closure plan makes those changes less stressful for everyone.

Good planning also helps your child. Young children feel changes in routine. A calm, predictable plan from the daycare and at home can help them stay settled. Talk with your child about what might happen in simple words, and keep the message warm and steady.

Questions to Ask About Notifications

Start with how you will hear about a closure. Ask these questions:

• How will families be notified, by text, email, phone call or a posted update?
• How early will you know if the center plans to close?
• Who should I contact if I do not receive a message?
• Do you keep my current phone number and email on file?

Ask to see the notice process in writing. Keep a copy with your emergency papers. If you are unsure about a detail, call the center directly and confirm it. A short call now can save a lot of worry later.

Questions About Pick-Up and Early Dismissal

Pick-up is often the hardest part of a storm day. Ask what happens if a storm hits during the school day. Ask whether early dismissal is possible, and who will be allowed to pick up your child. Make sure the daycare has your current authorized pick-up list.

Also ask how staff keep children safe while they wait for families. Ask about supervision, parking and how children are checked in and out. Our center has private parking, and parents are welcome to tour and see the setup for themselves.

What to Look For on a Visit

Touring the building is a helpful way to learn about the daily routine. You can see how classrooms are arranged, how the entrances work and how staff communicate. Our premises are video-monitored, and a closed-circuit intercom connects the classrooms. Ask to see the outdoor play space too. Our synthetic-turf playground is one part of the daily schedule.

Bring your list of questions. Take notes during the visit. Compare your notes with what you hear from other centers. A calm, honest answer is a good sign. Ask about the daily routine too, including arrival, meals and how the day ends. Knowing the full schedule helps you picture how your child will spend each day.

Build a Backup Plan at Home

A daycare plan is only part of the picture. Think about a backup plan for your family. Who can help with child care if the center closes? Who can pick up your child if you cannot? Share the plan with family members and anyone on your pick-up list.

• Write down two or three trusted adults who can help on short notice.
• Keep a supply kit with diapers, bottles, snacks and any comfort items your child needs.
• Save important phone numbers in your phone and on paper.
• Store copies of your child's enrollment and emergency forms.
• Plan how you will work if you need to stay home.

Talk With Your Child Before the Storm

Children do best when they know what to expect. Keep your words short and simple. Tell your child that the center may be closed, that a grown-up will take care of them, and that you will be together again soon. Read a favorite book about helpers or about staying safe at home. Keep your tone calm, even when you feel stressed.

Our infant and toddler classrooms use sign language, so some children may already know gestures that help them communicate during a change in routine. Ask your child's teacher which signs are used in the classroom so you can practice them at home.

Bilingual Care and Clear Communication

Our center offers a bilingual English-Spanish immersion program in every classroom, from infants through VPK. If your family speaks more than one language at home, ask how closure notices will reach you in your preferred language. Clear communication matters most when plans change quickly.

Helpful Links for Parents

Our frequently asked questions cover common topics about enrollment, hours and programs. Those answers can help you build a list of things to ask on a tour or a phone call.

If you have a specific question about your child's classroom or schedule, reach out through our contact page. Staff can then point you to the right person.

Are you planning ahead for storm season in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart or Jensen Beach? My First Place Academy is a bilingual daycare and preschool, open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. Our open-door policy invites visits. Call (772) 446-4011 to ask about closure plans and to arrange a tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I ask my daycare about hurricane closure plans?

Ask before storm season starts. Knowing the notice process, pick-up steps and backup contacts ahead of time makes a storm day easier.

What should I ask about early dismissal?

Ask whether early dismissal is possible, what happens if a storm hits during the day, and who is on your authorized pick-up list. Keep your list up to date.

How can I prepare my child for a closure?

Use short, simple words. Explain that the center may be closed, a trusted adult will help, and you will be together again soon. Keep your own tone calm.

Can I tour the center before I decide?

Yes. Parents are welcome to tour. Call (772) 446-4011 to arrange a visit and ask about current openings.