Trust for Learning: How Two Early Childhood Centers Bring Ideal Learning to Life

3.5. 2025

Trust for Learning: How Two Early Childhood Centers Bring Ideal Learning to Life

TRUST FOR LEARNING: Ellicia Lanier, a Trust for Learning hashtag partner and founder of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center, described in practical terms how a child care center can provide a safe and nurturing environment for children facing adversity. Her story was truly inspiring and it shows that it CAN be done. The good news is that you can hear all about Urban Sprouts and Ellicia’s journey on our “livestream” conversation with her on March 5 at 1:00 PM EST, right here on LinkedIn! She will also be joined by Allyx Schiavone who will provide a behind-the-scenes look at another child care center (Friends Center for Children) that has done tremendous work in offering high-quality early education, to include a teacher housing initiative and a food equity program.

Watch the livestream

Teacher Housing Initiative Honored with Sunspot Innovation Award

Friends Center for Children is honored to receive the Sunspot Innovation Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. This recognition highlights the impact of our Teacher Housing Initiative, which provides free, stable housing for early childhood educators and their families—a bold step toward strengthening the workforce that supports New Haven’s youngest learners. We’re grateful to be celebrated alongside so many nonprofits dedicated to building a more equitable and vibrant community, and we remain inspired every day by the educators whose dedication makes this work possible.

At Last, Flint Street Theater Opens Its Doors

ARTS COUNCIL GREATER NEW HAVEN – When Allyx Schiavone was in eighth grade, she stole a giant A from the marquee of the Ciné 4 on Middletown Avenue. Back then, it was one of many movie theaters thriving in New Haven, before the advent of streaming forced them out of business one by one. Three and a half decades later, she and colleagues have transformed the old theater into a bustling hub of community, culture, and creative learning, designed for New Haveners of all ages.