Children 1st

What is Children 1st?

Children 1st helps families by offering developmental screening and connection to medical homes, public health programs and other local services or resources that help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (through their 5th birthday) grow up healthy and thrive.

Click here to watch a quick 6 min video overview of the Children 1st program.

Key Features of the Children 1st Program:

  • Screenings to check how your child is growing, learning, and developing
  • Connection to helpful resources such as a regular doctor (medical home), early intervention, and other support programs

  • Available in every Georgia community for children from birth through their 5th birthday

    The Children 1st Process

  • Referral 📋

    Caregiver, doctor, hospital, community program, or others complete a Download this pdf file. referral form.

  • We reach out 📞

    A friendly team member from your local Children 1st program will reach out to introduce the program and learn a little more about your child. You’ll have a chance to talk about your child’s development, complete a developmental screening, and ask any questions you have.

  • Make connections 🌱

    Based on the screening, we’ll connect your family to a regular doctor (if needed), early intervention, and other local services that support your child’s healthy growth and development.

What is developmental screening and why is it important?

Developmental screening is a quick and simple way to see how your child is growing and learning. It helps families know if their child is meeting important milestones. Every child grows at their own pace, but some delays in development can be hard to notice without screening. 

When a child falls behind in one or more areas, connection to early support can make a big difference. Research shows that 1 in 6 children has a developmental delay or disability but many don’t get help until later, when it can be harder and more costly to catch up.

What screenings are used in Children 1st?

Children 1st offers screenings that are completed by parents or caregivers and are matched to your child’s age. Screenings may include:

  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ): Checks overall development, such as communication, movement, and problem-solving
  • Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT): Screens for signs of autism in young children
  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Assessment: Looks at children’s health and families’ needs to help connect you with helpful resources

What is a medical home and why is it important for my child to be connected to one? 

A medical home is a way of providing care that puts your child and family at the center. It means your child has a regular doctor or clinic where a team knows them well, listens to you, and helps coordinate all aspects of their health and well-being.

Children with a medical home are more likely to receive preventative care, avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, and connect with services that support their growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that medical homes improve children’s health and reduce stress for families.

  • When should I make a referral to Children 1st?

     If your child or a child in your care is between the ages of birth - their 5th birthday, and you have any concerns about the child’s growth and development.

  • Who can make referrals to Children 1st?
    • Parents/Family Members
    • Regional Perinatal Centers
    • Birthing Hospitals Programs
    • Newborn Screening (Metabolic & Hearing)
    • Physicians
    • Public Health Programs
    • Daycares/Head Start Centers/Preschools/Childcare providers
    • Any community agency

    Anyone can refer children to Children 1st if there are concerns about the child’s growth and development.

  • How do I make a referral to Children 1st or other Child Health programs?
  • Why did I get a call from Children 1st?

    A healthcare provider or community professional submitted a referral because they care about your child’s development and well-being. We’re reaching out using the contact information they provided to offer support and resources that may be helpful to your family.

  • Do I have to participate?

    Participation in the Children 1st program is completely voluntary. Our goal is to connect families with services that support healthy development, but the choice is always yours.

  • What if I don’t have concerns about my child’s development, but a teacher or another caregiver has shared that they do?

    Children can show different behaviors in different settings. Screenings help catch early signs that might not be obvious yet. Following up doesn’t mean something is wrong, it just helps ensure your child gets any support they might need early on. 

Helpful Resources for Families

Explore these trusted tools and programs to support your child’s development, learning, and care needs. 

Child Development & Screening Tools 
  • CDC Milestone Tracker App (English & Spanish) 
    Track your child’s developmental milestones from 2 months to 5 years with this free app. Includes checklists, tips, and reminders.
  • Learn the Signs. Act Early. (English & Spanish; select materials in other languages) 
    A CDC initiative with tools to help parents track milestones and recognize signs of developmental delay early.
  • ASQ® Learning Activities (English & Spanish) 
    Free, fun, skill-building activities for young children
Child Care, Pre-K & Family Support 
Special Education & Support 

Page last updated  8/29/25