1st Five Program
Supporting early identification and healthy development
Introduction
The early years of a child’s life are critical for healthy growth and development. The 1st Five Program supports Iowa primary care providers in identifying developmental concerns early and connecting families to the services and resources they need. By working together, we help ensure children from birth to age five receive support as early as possible—when it can make the greatest difference.
What is 1st Five?
1st Five is a free care coordination program that partners with primary care providers (a child’s regular doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) to:
- Support developmental screening recommendations
- Address developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns
- Connect families with local services and community resources
- Reduce family stress by improving access to support.
How 1st Five Works
1. Concern Identified – A primary care provider (your child’s regular doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) identifies a developmental concern, resource need, or family stressor.
2. Referral Submitted – The provider sends a referral to 1st Five.
3. Family Connection and Support – A 1st Five Care Coordinator contacts the family to assess needs and connect them to appropriate services and supports in their community.
4. Coordinated Follow-Up – Updates are shared with the referring provider to ensure coordinated, whole-child care.
1st Five May Help With
- Speech or language delays
- Behavioral concerns
- Social-emotional challenges
- Parenting stress
- Access to community resources
- Developmental screening follow-up
Eligibility
- Children from birth up to their fifth birthday
- No income requirements
- Services are free of charge
- Children may be referred more than once until age five
Counties Served by New Opportunities
Audubon, Buena Vista, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Sac
Contact Information
New Opportunities
Phone: 712-792-9266
1st Five Site Coordinator
Ashlea Ahrenholtz, MA
aahrenholtz@newopp.org
Health Services Director
Paula Spies, LBSW
pspies@newopp.org
Summary
The 1st Five Program is a valuable resource for families in Audubon, Buena Vista, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac counties. By providing early identification and support for developmental concerns, the program helps ensure that children receive the care they need to thrive. Contact New Opportunities today to learn more about how 1st Five can help your family.
