April 1 is National Census Day, and by now every home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. So far, more than 30% of households across the country have responded, but there is still a long way to go to ensure a full and accurate count.  

Unfortunately, with activities across the nation paused to respond to COVID-19, many experts are concerned that Census participation could be negatively affected. Now more than ever, the Census needs your help to ensure all young children are properly counted. The good news is, even during these difficult times, you can still easily participate in the Census, and urge others to do so as well.

It’s official: beginning March 12, households nationwide will begin receiving invitations to participate in the 2020 Decennial Census. With the count now underway in all 50 states, find out what you can do to help ensure children age 4 and under are properly counted in this month’s edition of our Census Series:  

Even though the 2020 Census already began in some parts of the country, we are one month away from  households nationwide receiving official Census Bureau invitations to participate. To help ensure that children age four and under are properly counted, we've compiled news updates from the month of February and the latest resources that will help you prepare: 

On Thursday, February 6, the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the House Committee on Education and Labor will hold a hearing on "Solving America’s Child Care Crisis: Supporting Parents, Children, and the Economy." Members of the Subcommittee will hear from four expert witnesses on the child care crisis, including a parent and a child care provider. 

Happy New Year! It's finally 2020, Census year. You've been preparing and now it's here.  While the Census will occur throughout the year, in some parts of the country the count will begin as early as this month.  

New research shows that much work needs to be done to help families understand the importance of participating in the Census. Child care providers and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) can play an important role sharing these messages. 

Child Care Aware^® of America has responded to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services and their notice for a request for information (RFI) on “Improving Access to Affordable, High Quality Child Care.”