(Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of articles in the coming months by First 5 LA exploring the importance of counting young children during Census 2020.)

[module:cb-Plain Text:24]

While the countdown to the new year may be over, the launch of the most important tally of 2020 for California’s children and families is just around the corner.

By April 1, every home in the U.S. will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census, a once-a-decade collection of population and demographic data from every person living in the country. This information determines the amount of federal funding going to every community over the next 10 years, including important programs that support children and families: schools, child care, medical care, food assistance, housing and public transportation. The Census count also determines the number of elected representatives California sends to Congress, keeping our voice strong.

Ensuring that every kid is counted is critical.Of all states, California had the most children prenatal to age 5 not counted in the 2010 Census. An undercount in 2020 could cost California up to $115 billion per year across federal programs that support children.

Recent research found that people who are least likely to complete the Census or count their children are the ones most reliant on these programs, including younger, low-income, immigrant, and rural families, along with people in complex household situations.

To ensure that every child in California is counted in the 2020 Census, now is the time to create general awareness, answer common questions and allay personal fears related to immigration status.

First 5 LA is doing its part to share Census messaging through a variety of articles and web pages with links to resources. Additionally, the First 5 Association of California has created a 2020 Census Campaign kit (https://thesocialpresskit.com/first5-2020census), a resource center to educate and motivate parents, caregivers and heads of household to participate. This kit provides social media assets and documents that will help you share Census messaging in English and Spanish.

And that’s not all. This year, there are more options than ever for responding, as the 2020 Census marks the first time people can respond online, even on their smartphone! People can also respond by mail or phone in English, Spanish or 11 other languages. Families can be encouraged to respond to the Census by visiting 2020census.gov on April 1, 2020.

We need your help reaching families and ensuring that all of California’s young children are counted. Feel free to share these resources with your families, communities, partners or other stakeholders.

Remember: every kid counts!




May 9, 2024, Board of Commission Meeting Summary

May 9, 2024, Board of Commission Meeting Summary

First 5 LA's Board of Commissioners convened in person on May 9, 2024. Vice Chair Summer McBride presided over the meeting, which included votes on the Revised Records Management Policy and Records Retention Schedule and an amendment to an existing strategic...

Honoring AANHPI Innovators and Leaders, Past and Future

Honoring AANHPI Innovators and Leaders, Past and Future

As We Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaíian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month  This May, First 5 LA joins Los Angeles County in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaíian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Originally designated as a week-long...

Media Campaign to Promote Bilingualism Adds Four New Languages

Media Campaign to Promote Bilingualism Adds Four New Languages

Christina Hoag | Freelance Writer April 25, 2024 Last year, Spanish and Chinese. This year, Vietnamese, Khmer, Korean and Armenian. The Dual Language Learner Initiative has launched a new media campaign in four additional languages to encourage increased bilingualism...

Home Visiting Garners Increasing Official Recognition

Home Visiting Garners Increasing Official Recognition

  Christina Hoag | Freelance Writer April 25, 2024 In April, four of Los Angeles County’s biggest cities officially recognized Home Visiting Day for the first time, a sign of home visiting’s expanding public awareness and the region’s leading role in the programs...

March 14, 2024, Board of Commission Meeting Summary

March 14, 2024, Board of Commission Meeting Summary

Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2024 The First 5 LA Board of Commissioners convened in person and virtually on March 14, 2024. The agenda included the approval of a new Early Care & Education agreement, an authorization for First 5 LA staff to receive...

New Study Examines Developmental Concerns of Families in WIC

New Study Examines Developmental Concerns of Families in WIC

 Ann Isbell | First 5 LA Health Systems Program Officer March 27, 2024 Because parents are deeply attuned to their children, they are often the first to notice a developmental concern. But when they have questions about their child’s developmental progress, many...

Translate