HACAP’s 1st Five Program Recognized as a National Best Practice
We’re proud to share that HACAP’s 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative has received the AMCHP Best Practice designation this year — a national recognition celebrating programs that demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, and measurable impact on maternal and child health.
Early detection of developmental and social-emotional delays is crucial for ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive. However, studies show that without the use of validated screening tools, primary care providers identify only 30% of children in need—compared to 70–80% when screening tools are used. In Iowa, only one-third of parents with young children report completing a developmental screening in the past year, and even when screenings occur, just 59% of pediatricians provide referrals for children who screen positive.
That’s where 1st Five comes in. This free, voluntary program connects Iowa families with children ages birth to five to critical early intervention resources. By helping primary care providers integrate standardized developmental screenings and referrals into their workflow, 1st Five ensures more children are identified early and linked to the right supports at the right time.
Built on the foundation of the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD II) project, 1st Five strengthens partnerships between medical practices and community-based service providers to improve the quality of well-child care statewide. Following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines and supported by Iowa’s Medicaid EPSDT program, its four-part model enables early detection, coordinated referrals, and consistent follow-up.
This evidence-informed approach not only supports children’s healthy development but also reduces the need for more intensive care later in life—making a lasting impact on families and communities across Iowa.
Congratulations to our HACAP 1st Five team for this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to make a difference in the lives of Iowa’s youngest children!
