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Alyssa Rafa, MA

Assistant Policy Director

Alyssa is the Assistant Policy Director at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. In her role, she provides leadership for the Policy Team across several state policy research functions, including legislative tracking and analysis, report and presentation development, and state engagement. She also leads the early care and learning team and contributes to the development of the annual State Policy Roadmap.

Alyssa has spent nearly a decade in policy research and analysis. Most recently, she led and conducted policy research at Education Commission of the States, working on issues ranging from early childhood education to school climate and student health. Her work included researching and developing 50-state policy analyses and reports, consulting with and presenting to state policymakers, and designing convenings of education leaders. Alyssa holds an MA in International Studies from the University of Denver and a BA in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino.

Alyssa lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and three young children. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys going on hikes with her family, visiting local breweries, experimenting with new recipes, and watching all the sports.

Authored Content

With most legislatures adjourned for the year, we recap the 2024 action on state policies to support children and families. So far this year, lawmakers throughout the country debated—and many passed—legislation that aligns with four key components of the prenatal-to-3 system of care.
With most legislatures adjourned for the year, we recap the 2024 action on state policies to support children and families. So far this year, lawmakers throughout the country debated—and many passed—legislation that aligns with four key components of the prenatal-to-3 system of care.
Though most legislative sessions have adjourned, lawmakers and advocates across the country continue to advance efforts to support children and families. A lot can happen at the tail end of a legislative session, as Colorado
In late February, the federal government released a final rule that makes regulatory changes to the Child Care and Development Fund. The rule requires action from many states to ensure child care is affordable and

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