Baby sign language uses simple hand movements paired with spoken words. A parent or caregiver makes a sign and says the word out loud, like "more" or "milk." At My First Place Academy in Port St. Lucie, sign language is used with infants and toddlers during daily routines. Here is what to know, which signs to start with and what to ask.
What Baby Sign Language Is
Baby sign language is a set of simple hand movements. Each sign stands for a word, such as milk, more or all done. You say the word out loud while you make the sign. Your child sees the same sign many times during the same routine.
Signs are not a full language on their own. They are a bridge. A child who is still learning to talk can use a sign to show what they want. That gives you both a shared way to communicate while spoken words are still growing.
Why Parents Use Signs
Parents use signs for many reasons. Some want a way to talk about food, play or bedtime before their child can say words. Others like the calm feel of a routine built around a few clear signs. Signs are simple, quiet and easy to repeat.
Every child is different. Some pick up signs quickly. Others take more time. If you have questions about speech and language development, talk with your child's doctor. The doctor can tell you what fits your child's age and needs.
Signs to Start With
Start small. Pick a few signs that come up many times each day. Good first signs often include:
- More. Useful at meals, play and bath time.
- Milk or eat. Helpful during feeding times.
- All done. Marks the end of a meal or activity.
- Help. Useful when a toy or cup is out of reach.
- Please and thank you. Good for everyday manners.
Use the same sign every time. Pair it with the spoken word, and keep your hands where your child can see them. Repeat the sign during the same routine, like before a snack or after play.
How Signs Work in a Classroom
In a classroom, signs fit into the daily flow. Caregivers use them during meals, diaper changes, circle time and clean-up. A sign for the next activity can help a child know what comes next. The same signs repeat across the day, so children can see the pattern.
Signs are used alongside spoken words, not in place of them. Caregivers keep talking, singing and reading. The goal is a steady routine that feels familiar and calm.
What to Look for When You Tour a Program
When you visit a daycare, watch how caregivers talk to children. Look for calm voices, eye contact and a steady routine. Ask how signs are used in each age group. A good program can tell you exactly how it fits signs into the day.
- Do caregivers sign and speak at the same time?
- Are signs used during daily routines like meals and naps?
- How do caregivers respond when a child is not using signs yet?
- Can you see the infant and toddler rooms during your visit?
- How do staff share updates with parents about communication?
It also helps to ask whether the same signs are used in every room, so you know what your child may see as they move up.
Using Signs at Home
Your home can use the same signs as the classroom. Ask your child's teacher which signs they use. That way, your child sees the same movements at home and at school. Consistency helps children connect a sign to the moment it means something.
Keep practice short and fun. A few minutes at each meal is enough. Praise your child for trying, even if the sign looks different from what you expect. Avoid pressure. Let play lead the way, and follow your child's interest.
Signs Alongside Two Languages
My First Place Academy is a bilingual English-Spanish program. Every classroom uses both languages, from infant care through VPK. Signs can work alongside both languages. A parent who speaks Spanish at home can share the Spanish word with the sign, and the teacher can do the same in the classroom.
Keep the words consistent, so your child hears each one in a familiar setting. If you are weighing two languages for your child, read our guide on bilingual daycare and early language.
Who We Are
My First Place Academy is a bilingual English-Spanish daycare and preschool in Port St. Lucie. Owners Veronica and Aracelly Forero are involved day to day. We offer infant care, programs for one, two, three and four year olds, VPK, before and after school care and summer camp.
Families from nearby towns, including Fort Pierce, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Stuart and Indiantown, are welcome to visit. Parents are welcome to tour our classrooms and ask questions. To see how our programs are organized, visit our programs page.
Want to see how signs fit into a day at our school? Call My First Place Academy at (772) 446-4011 to ask about tours and programs. Our team is happy to talk through what your child's day could look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baby sign language?
It is a set of simple hand signs paired with spoken words. Common first signs include more, milk, all done and help. Caregivers use the same signs in the same routines.
Which signs should I start with?
Start with a few signs you use every day, such as more, milk, eat and all done. Use the same sign each time and say the word out loud.
Do daycares use sign language with infants?
Some do. At My First Place Academy, sign language is used with infants and toddlers. Ask any program how signs fit into its daily routine during your visit.
Should I talk to my doctor about sign language?
Yes, if you have questions about your child's speech and language development. Your child's doctor can help you understand what fits your child's age and needs.
Call (772) 446-4011 to ask about tours
Call My First Place Academy or schedule a tour and see the classrooms in use.