Elisa Cafferata Appointed New Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Alliance

Children enjoying playtime in a community park, reflecting the mission of children's advocacy.

News Summary

Elisa Cafferata has been named the new executive director of Nevada’s Children’s Advocacy Alliance, aiming to champion the well-being of the state’s youth. With a strong background in government and advocacy, she will address issues surrounding early childhood education and family support. Cafferata plans to emphasize the importance of investing in early childhood systems, particularly in light of rising child care costs and a shortage of licensed facilities in Nevada. Her leadership aims to improve policy impacts on children and families across the state.

Las Vegas, Nevada — Elisa Cafferata has been appointed as the new executive director of Nevada’s Children’s Advocacy Alliance, where she will focus on championing the well-being of the state’s youth. With a mission to improve the lives of children, especially the youngest, Cafferata is stepping into her role to advocate for policies that support families and enhance early childhood development.

Before her recent appointment, Cafferata held significant positions within state government, having served as the director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and as deputy director in the state’s Division of Welfare and Support Services. Her previous experience includes lobbying for Planned Parenthood, where she managed state programs connected to child care, child support enforcement, workforce development, and women’s health advocacy. Cafferata’s extensive background equips her with unique insights into the challenges facing families in Nevada.

The Children’s Advocacy Alliance actively works on vital issues related to early childhood education, school readiness, health, welfare, and economic well-being. The organization aims to give voice to children lacking representation in policymaking and collaborates with advocacy groups, conducts research, and formulates strategies for legislative sessions. Cafferata underlines the importance of advocating for both parents and children as they navigate competing legislative priorities.

One of the core focuses of Cafferata’s leadership will be to promote the significance of investing in early childhood systems. Numerous studies indicate that support during these formative years yields the highest returns in human capital, an understanding that drives the alliance’s strategic initiatives. In light of the increased child care costs that have surged following the COVID-19 pandemic, many families, particularly single-parent households, are experiencing significant financial strain. Many parents face child care bills that can rival their monthly mortgage payments, making affordability a pressing issue.

Recent statistics reveal that about 38% of single-parent families in Nevada are allocating substantial portions of their incomes to child care. In addition, the state is grappling with a shortage of licensed childcare facilities, contributing to what researchers are calling a “childcare desert.” The average cost of child care demands state-level policy changes, especially since current laws require children to begin school at age 7, two years later than in many other states, limiting early educational opportunities.

Despite challenges encountered during the previous legislative session, including disappointments with vetoed bills related to paid family and medical leave and barriers to licensed home-based child care, the alliance successfully advocated for significant legislation geared towards improving child services. Senate Bill 284 reflects some of these victories by adjusting regulations concerning how child welfare agencies utilize federal benefits for foster care costs.

Data indicates that Nevada ranks 47th in overall children’s well-being. This troubling ranking sheds light on broader issues of poverty and education affecting young Nevadans. Cafferata hopes to address these challenges through effective storytelling and continued advocacy efforts. Proposed expansions to pre-K programs highlighted during various legislative sessions aim to better prepare children for school while easing the burden on parents—the necessity of which has become even clearer amid the ongoing childcare crisis.

While legislative proposals aimed at expanding access to pre-K have encountered funding and political hurdles, Cafferata remains optimistic about the future. Her goals will center around sustained advocacy and awareness-building to ensure that the interests and needs of Nevada’s children are prioritized. Through collaborative efforts, systemic changes in laws, and increased community support, Cafferata is committed to cultivating a more conducive environment for children’s growth and development in the state.