SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) — A report from a child welfare advocacy organization warns that about 4,000 Wyoming children under the age of 5 could be overlooked in the 2020 census.

Annie E. Casey Foundation estimates that 9 percent of children under the age of 5 in Wyoming could be undercounted in the upcoming census because of insufficient preparation.

Wyoming Community Foundation CEO Samin Dadelahi says the census data is used for planning in the state, so it is critically important to acquire an accurate count. Many factors can contribute to undercounting, but the main concern is reaching the state's entire rural population.

U.S. Census Bureau public information officer Kristina Barrett says her office is aware of the concerns and has been working to make corrections ahead of the census.

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