Our stories
A Note From Our Executive Director: Winter 2026
The groundhog may call for six more weeks of winter, and the snowfall may back him up, but at SIP we keep our eyes on the light ahead. With focus, connection and intention, we continue to move forward because steady effort is what builds lasting impact.
SIP & Odyssey Launch Early Childhood Education Growth Accelerator
This is a defining moment for early childhood education in Connecticut — and we believe the way forward is together.
We are proud to launch the Early Childhood Education Growth Accelerator in partnership with Maritime Odyssey Preschool, a nationally recognized ECE model based in Norwalk. Because when mission-driven leaders come together with the right tools, the right space and the right support, real transformation happens. Minds together truly do more than minds apart.
Mission Moment: Maritime Odyssey Preschool
Early childhood education is not simply childcare — it is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong outcomes. More than 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, shaping their readiness for school, their belief in their own potential and the stability felt by their families.
Research shows that children who are ready for kindergarten are far more likely to thrive in life. At Maritime Odyssey Preschool, these truths guide every decision
Mission Moment: Friends Center for Children
I had the distinct honor of visiting the Flint Street location of Friends Center for Children (Friends Center), where I arrived as a stranger and left feeling like a true “Friend.” I expected to see toddlers smiling and running around, but what I witnessed was far more profound: minds growing, learning and discovering the world for the first time.
Project Feature: Hartford Public Schools Adult Education Center
In Hartford, the need for adult education is among the highest in the state. Thousands of residents lack high school diplomas, and many are highly credentialed professionals from other countries who cannot return to their fields until they master the English language. The result is a growing demand for programs that not only teach but truly transform lives. That’s where we stepped in – fully immersing ourselves in the lives of those who attend Hartford Public Schools Adult Education Center.
Get to Know Us: Jess Bialecki
We are delighted to have Jess Bialecki join our team at such a transformational time for early childhood in Connecticut. Jess brings a rare combination of strategic insight, systems-level experience and a deep respect for the voices of practitioners, families and communities. Her leadership will enhance our capacity to develop innovative, collaborative solutions that enhance outcomes for our youngest children and drive meaningful change throughout the state.