Children 1st

Children develop rapidly during the early years of life. Early nurturing, good health and stimulating experiences promote healthy development and performance in school. The Children 1^st and First Care programs provide families with resources to help improve health and developmental outcomes for infants and children. When children are linked to the right services, they are better able to grow up healthy and ready for school.

How do Children 1^st and First Care work?

Children through age 5 can be referred to Children 1^st by a variety of community organizations for many different reasons.  Usually a referral is made because a child could be at risk for poorer health or developmental outcomes. When we receive a referral, the Children 1^st Coordinator contacts the child’s family to see if they would like to schedule a home visit with a developmental specialist. The visit involves asking parents questions about their child’s usual behavior as well as engaging in play activities with the child to see if he or she meets age-appropriate developmental milestones in areas such as motor skills, communication and personal-social skills. If a potential developmental delay or medical condition is identified, Children 1^st connects the family to a program or agency with services that can help the child.

Children 1^st also includes First Care, a similar program that helps families with babies who are at higher risk for poor health outcomes, such as babies who are born very small or very early.  Families who participate in First Care schedule regular home visits with a nurse who can answer questions about their baby’s growth, development and overall health related to his or her condition.  As with Children 1^st, First Care links parents to resources and services that can offer additional support.

Both Children 1^st and First Care are free and voluntary for families.

How to Participate:

Children 1^st and First Care serve families of babies and children through age 5 who are at risk for poorer health or developmental outcomes. Sometimes a child may be at risk because of a health condition, but social and economic conditions can also contribute to risk. Children are referred to these programs by various people and organizations, including hospitals, pediatricians, day care centers and parents. If you are concerned that your child or a child you know may be in need of additional resources for health and development, please fill out and fax the referral form below to our Children 1^st Coordinator or call or email her. (Contact information is listed below.)

Resources for Parents:

• Developmental Milestones

Resources for Healthcare Providers:

• Referral Form
• Referral Form Instructions

Children 1^st District Coordinator:

740 Prince Ave – Building 15
Athens, GA 30601
706-227-7182