News

Let’s Keep the Progress Going

As the COVID-19 crisis approaches its 18th month, we are just now beginning to get a full picture of the damage the pandemic has done to our children and families, our schools, institutions, and our communities.  Initial data gave us a frightening look into how the pandemic might permanently damage the early childhood infrastructure and threaten the ability for parents to return to work as we emerged from the pandemic and as time has worn on, we are now able to see that many of our fears are coming true.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) surveyed child care providers early in the pandemic and recently released a follow-up survey in late July Progress and Peril: Child Care at a Crossroads of 2021.  The Arizona state-level data became available last week.  Not surprisingly it showed that federal and state relief funds have “helped stabilize child care programs and prevented more program closures. However, staffing shortages, low wages, and a broken market mean that substantial, sustainable public investments are needed for this essential sector to recover and rebuild”.

The key takeaway here is that while the federal COVID relief packages were essential for immediate relief, it is vital that Arizonans, and our policymakers, support additional federal assistance like the $3.5T reconciliation proposal (also called the Biden Build Back Better plan) currently making its way through Congress. In addition, it is vital for the Arizona Legislature to support state investments to sustain the progress and assure that this essential service remains available to all of Arizona’s families and children.

Contact your congressional delegates

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Events

Thank you for 35 years and counting....

Our annual gathering, Through the Eyes of a Child celebration, was a big success. More than 120 supporters gathered to celebrate CAA’s 35 years of improving the well-being of children, and the people who have worked to make it possible.  We appreciate all our sponsors, and champions for children,…

News

Children’s Action Alliance Selects January Contreras as New CEO

Children’s Action Alliance has named January Contreras to lead the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer. Contreras, a national and Arizona leader who has dedicated her career to strengthening the well-being and safety of children and families, will step into the role on December 11. “The…

News

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nov. 1 - Through the Eyes of a Child

We can’t wait to gather as a community of champions for children at next week’s 35 YEARS: Through the Eyes of the Child. We want to share a special announcement with you as we prepare for this annual gathering. Children’s Action Alliance is pleased to announce January Contreras as our new President…

Events

Leadership Academies applications now open!

CAA and Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) Leadership Academies are now accepting applications!  Both leadership academies are designed to bring community leaders together to amplify their voices in a unique way to influence policymakers on children and health issues.   CAA’s Lived Experience…