Outdoor Play Safety Questions for Parents

Look at the playground surface, the equipment for each age group and how outdoor time fits the daily routine. Then ask the questions that tell you how the school really uses the space. My First Place Academy shares what parents can look for in our health and safety information, and you are welcome to see the playground in person.

This checklist is for parents touring a daycare or preschool in Port St. Lucie and nearby towns.

What should you look at on a playground?

Start with what you can see from the gate: the ground, the equipment, the fence and the shade. A good playground looks tidy, fits the children who use it and gives adults a clear view of the whole space.

Use this checklist on your tour:

• The ground surface looks even, clean and in good shape.
• Equipment looks sturdy, with no loose parts, sharp edges or rust.
• The play area has a fence or boundary, and the gate closes.
• There is shade, whether from a cover, a tree or a structure.
• Adults can see every part of the play area from where they stand.
• Equipment is matched to the ages that use it.
• The space looks clean, with no trash or hazards lying around.
• There is a plan for water, rest and coming inside.

You do not need special training to notice these things. Trust what you see, and ask about anything that looks off.

What does synthetic turf change?

Synthetic turf gives children a green, even surface that stays usable in Florida weather. At My First Place Academy, the playground is surfaced with synthetic turf and equipped for the age groups that use it.

A grass yard can turn muddy or patchy after rain. Turf does not, so the ground looks the same from one day to the next.

When you tour any playground, ask how the surface is kept clean and how the staff checks it. A surface only works if someone looks after it. Ask what the daily routine is for looking over the area before children go out.

Is the equipment right for each age?

Equipment should match the size and ability of the children using it. A play set for four-year-olds is not right for a crawling infant, and a good school keeps those groups in mind.

We serve infants, one, two, three and four year olds, VPK, before and after school care and summer camp. Each group has its own needs outdoors. Younger children need low, simple, close-to-the-ground play. Older children want room to run, climb and move more.

Ask how the school handles different ages on the playground. Do groups go out at different times? Is the space set up for each age group? The answers tell you how thoughtful the plan is.

How is outdoor time part of the day?

Outdoor time should be a planned part of the day, not a filler. Ask when children go out, how long they stay and what happens when the weather is hot or rainy.

In Florida, heat and rain shape the schedule. Parents can ask how the school handles hot afternoons, sudden showers and the time between going out and coming in. Look for a clear routine that the staff can explain without hesitating.

Also ask what the adults do outside. They should be watching, talking with the children and keeping the group together. Sign language is used with infants and toddlers in our classrooms, so ask any school how adults talk with the youngest children.

Our school also runs on a bilingual English-Spanish model, with complete bilingual immersion in every classroom, infant through VPK. Ask any school you tour how language works during play as well as in the classroom.

What can you ask on a tour?

Ask direct, practical questions, and watch how the staff answers. A school that is proud of its space will be glad to show you and explain.

Here are questions to bring:

1. How is the playground checked before children go out?
2. What is the plan for shade, water and heat?
3. How do groups of different ages share or split the space?
4. What happens if the weather changes while children are outside?
5. Who watches the children outdoors, and how do they stay in touch with the classroom?

You can also read more on our frequently asked questions page. The premises are video-monitored, and there is a closed-circuit intercom between classrooms, which you can ask to see during your visit.

Parents are welcome to tour, and our open-door policy invites visits. We are open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. To see the playground and meet the team, call My First Place Academy at (772) 446-4011 to schedule a tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the playground during a tour?

Yes. Parents are welcome to tour, and our open-door policy invites visits. Ask to walk the playground so you can see the surface, equipment and shade for yourself.

Do different age groups use the same playground?

The playground is equipped for the age groups that use it. Ask on your tour how the groups are organized outdoors, so you can see how each age gets space that fits.

What should my child wear for outdoor play?

Comfortable clothes and closed shoes that let them move freely are a good start. Ask the school what they suggest for hot days and rainy days, and follow their guidance.

Are the classrooms and premises monitored?

The premises are video-monitored, and there is a closed-circuit intercom between classrooms. You can ask to see how these work when you come for a tour.