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Every Child Counts Day - March 25, 2020 

          “Every Child Counts,” which references pins the American Academy of Pediatrics handed out at their national conference, was a FOPO-designated day of activation and mobilization to encourage pediatricians, pediatric researchers, and their networks to engage with their communities and explain the importance of counting young children in the 2020 Census. It is not too late to contribute to this effort by sharing relevant social media content, blog posts, co-authored pieces, and information in waiting rooms. Remember! An accurate count of all children is critical for families, educators, and their communities, and the 2020 Census responses will drive decisions that impact the well-being of young children for the next 10 years.

Background:

  • The 2010 Census was a success, but children under the age of 5, nearly 1 million of them, were not counted at higher rates than any other age group. 
  • The U.S. Census still does not know why children under the age of 5 were undercounted more than other age groups, only that there was no single issue and therefore no single answer.
  • Research does show that the more complex the household (e.g., large or extended families, multiple families under one roof, foster families, grandparents, families that speak limited or no English), the higher the risk for young children not to be included in a Census response.
  • Research also shows that confusion, fear, and misunderstanding contribute to the undercount. For example, children living in an age-restricted apartment or where a lease limits the number of allowed tenants contribute to this fear.

You Can Help Children Be Counted in the 2020 Census:

  • By educating the families and communities you serve on the importance of including babies and young children in the Census count.
  • By explaining that the more children in a community, the greater the need for health insurance, hospitals, child care, food assistance, SNAP/WIC schools, and early childhood development programs. 
  • By reminding the families and communities that the 2020 Census will help determine how much money communities receive for the critical resources that children and families will depend on for the next 10 years – the majority of childhood.
  • By hosting or joining a Complete Count Committee (CCC) focused on the undercount of young children. Information about Complete Count Committees can be found here.