The Census only comes around once every 10 years but did you know that since the first census way back in 1790 children have been under-counted. I talking every year since then children have been under-counted. The problem comes from us, as parents are we accurately reporting the number of children we have, including newborns?
Does it really matter? Yes, because if we don’t report those numbers correctly the nation doesn’t get a true picture of those in this country. And without a clear picture communities don’t get the rightful share of public funds. It all boils down to the wrong calculations and wrong calculations lead to over-crowed schools, not enough child care or health care programs. Babies must be counted today, so they can benefit tomorrow from the community services they deserve and need.
If you don’t think these numbers count, just look at this:
Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion federal funds to states and localities, including child-focused programs such as:
- Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)
- Head Start Programs ($6.9 billion)
- State Childrens Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)
- Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)
- Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)
In the 2000 Census, there was a net under-count of more than 1 million children under age 10. They can’t provide the Census with their information, but we as parents can and should. It is our responsibility to make sure our kids count.
This post is part of a Public Service Campaign by Global Influence Network
