The 2020 Census: What Does it Mean for Children and Families?

Think counting every person in the United States is impossible? Think again.

In fact, the very first U.S. census was all the way back in 1790! Every 10 years, every person in the United States (including adults, children, babies, citizens and immigrants) is counted through the census. This isn’t just so we know the population makeup. Census data is used to determine representation in Congress, state legislatures and school boards, and—critically—it’s also used to determine how much federal funding should flow to children’s programs in states and communities.

Programs such as Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Title I and IDEA special education funding rely on accurate census counts to help allocate over $800 billion a year in federal funds. The 2020 Census will have lasting effects on crucial programs that serve our children and families.

So, what can you do to help ensure an accurate count in the 2020 Census?

First and foremost, make sure to respond to the census.

You can complete the census questionnaire online, by phone or by mail, and every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census by April 1.

Worried about sharing your data? Rest assured that when responding to the census, your privacy is protected. By law, the Census Bureau cannot publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household nor can your responses be used against you or shared with any other government agency.

Remember, the census doesn’t just count adults!

Even though accurate census data is crucially important for our children and families, our littlest ones are often missed in the census. Don’t overlook the youngest members of your household.

By not accurately counting newborn babies and other young children, you can negatively impact support for programs such as health insurance, hospitals, childcare, food assistance, schools and early childhood development. This 2020 Census, make sure to count everyone living or sleeping in your home, including your little ones!

National PTA is deeply committed to making sure Congress supports continued and equitable investments in our nation’s children and families. That’s why we advocate every day to make every child’s potential a reality. The 2020 Census is part of that effort. Let’s help ensure all children are counted so they have the tools and resources they need to thrive.


Cyrus Huncharek is the government affairs coordinator for National PTA.

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