An in-person meeting. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have in our toolbox as advocates. But what do we do when we can no longer sit down, face-to-face, and have a conversation with our representatives? 

Advocacy has never been more important, so we can’t just put one of our best tools away. We have to adapt to the circumstances to make sure we’re still having the biggest impact we can for ourselves and for working families who need access to safe and reliable child care.

This week, Child Care Aware^® of America and the Save the Children Action Network released the results of a nationwide survey that confirms for us what we’ve known since this crisis began:

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.

Updated March 27, 12:50 p.m.

With all the news and updates around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it can be difficult to grasp the proposals put forward by Congress. Below you will find a summary of each proposal passed or under consideration so far:  

Early childhood education programs are essential for the millions of children and families they serve and play an important role during emergency public health and economic emergencies. As schools close, families need back-up child care. As communities work to ensure no child goes hungry and essential personnel are able to handle emergencies, child care providers need resources and guidance to help assist families. And, as attendance fluctuates, child care business owners need reassurance that they will be able to pay their bills.  

Policymakers can act using these recommendations from Child Care Aware^® of America to ensure that child care programs can weather this growing public health and economic crisis, and to ensure families continue to have access to the care they need.

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: