Bilingual Learning at Every Stage
Every program at My First Place Academy is built around the same core idea: children learn best through a consistent, loving routine, hands-on exploration, and a genuinely bilingual environment. Below is what happens in each classroom, stage by stage.
Infants
A calm, safe, and loving environment for your baby's first experience away from home. Our infant classroom is designed to make that first transition natural and easy — for parents and children alike.
- Teachers speak conversationally in English and Spanish and use sign language to help infants communicate and express their feelings before they have words
- Learning happens through the senses, with a variety of natural materials for infants to explore
- Movement — standing, walking, climbing — is treated as an important part of early development
- A focus on cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical growth, with reading built into the daily rhythm
- Relaxing colors, good lighting, and a genuinely cozy classroom environment
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Schedule a tour of the infant room →
One Year Old
At one year old, the focus shifts to safety, comfort, and the very beginning of social skills. Consistent routines help toddlers feel secure and understand what to expect from their day.
- Sensory play with water, sand, and fabrics
- Language development through conversation, reading, singing, and single words and phrases — with classroom objects labeled to build vocabulary
- Early self-care skills: hand washing, self-feeding
- Sign language used to reduce frustration during the pre-verbal stage
- Individualized attention based on each child's needs
- Meals coordinated through a Florida Department of Health partnership, with new foods introduced as part of the lesson plan
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Two Years Old
Two-year-olds are full of energy and curiosity, and this classroom is built to channel both through structured discovery: art, music, literature, math, and science, alongside plenty of physical activity.
- Motor skills developed through music and movement
- Cozy reading areas and sensory science materials (water, sand, fabrics)
- Daily access to art materials and dramatic/role play — play food, dolls, housekeeping
- Block building and early math concepts
- Bilingual instruction in English and Spanish, plus continued sign language support to help children communicate before their vocabulary catches up
- Self-help routines: following directions, cleanup, dressing, table manners, sharing
- Toilet training begins when both child and teacher agree the child is ready
- Meals aligned with Florida Department of Health standards
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Three Years Old
A positive, structured learning environment built around play-based learning — educational toys and games, building blocks, puzzles, and art projects that build fine motor skills.
- Interactive storytelling with open-ended questions
- Sensory activities: sand, water, playdough, and textured materials
- Music, songs, and dance for language, rhythm, and coordination
- Pretend play: kitchen, doctor's office, store
- Outdoor exploration and gardening
- Early literacy: labeled objects, a cozy reading corner, and "writing" stories, letters, and lists through drawing
- A consistent daily routine that builds a sense of security, with small groups for individualized attention
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Four Years Old
Four-year-olds bring increased attention span and activity levels, so this classroom is built to satisfy their curiosity through structured, purposeful play — while directly preparing them for VPK.
- Curriculum covers physical development, social studies, mathematical thinking, science, and creative/art expression
- Early literacy: rhymes, stories, and pre-reading skills
- Hands-on activities, puppet play, storytelling, and gardening
- Structured routines that prepare children for the transition into VPK
- Well-equipped classrooms designed for this age group
- Gross motor equipment and a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment
- Nutritious meals coordinated with the Florida Department of Health
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten)
My First Place Academy partners with the Early Learning Coalition to deliver Florida's state-sponsored VPK program — direct instruction toward literacy standards within a substantial daily instructional period.
- Meals coordinated through the Florida Department of Health, integrated into lesson planning
- Open-door parent visitation policy, bi-annual satisfaction surveys, and regular parent communication
- Eligibility: any four-year-old child born on or before September 1st who resides in Florida qualifies — regardless of family income — for three free daily instructional hours. Extended wraparound care is available for families who need it.
VPK is a popular program with limited seats — families are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Before & After School Care
For families with school-age children, we offer structured support and resources before and after the school day — a safe, supervised, bilingual environment that bridges the gap between the school bell and the end of the workday.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm (aligned to school-day drop-off/pick-up windows)
Summer Camp
A full-day summer program built with the same safety standards and bilingual approach families count on during the school year — keeping kids engaged, active, and learning through the break.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm
Ready to See It in Person?
The best way to understand what makes our classrooms different is to walk through them.