Growing the Conversation
Growing the Conversation brings together media coverage featuring Sherry, The Gro Academy, and Sprout Early Learning Center. These stories reflect ongoing public conversations about early childhood education, the child care workforce, and the systems that shape quality care for children and families.
We share this coverage to elevate the real experiences of educators, highlight the complexity behind child care costs and access, and contribute thoughtfully to the broader dialogue about what early learning truly requires to thrive.
Featured Coverage
Photo credit: Tim Gruber for The New York Times
Sherry Picha speaking with children at Sprout Early Learning Center during a New York Times photo visit.
The New York Times
Why Does Child Care Seem Less Affordable Than Ever?
Published Thursday, March 5, 2026
📰
By Asmaa Elkeurti and Claire Cain Miller
The New York Times featured Sherry Picha as an expert voice in a national story examining why child care costs are rising faster than inflation. Drawing on her experience as a provider and advocate, Sherry spoke about the economic realities facing early childhood programs, including rising operating costs, staffing challenges, and the ongoing struggle to sustain high-quality care for families. The article highlights the broader structural pressures shaping the child care system across the United States.
Tags: Child Care Costs • Workforce • Policy • Advocacy
This coverage is part of a broader national conversation about early childhood education, workforce sustainability, and the economic realities of providing high-quality child care.
All Coverage
WXOW News 19 (ABC)
by Jack Mulvaney
December 17, 2025
Sherry Picha, owner of Sprout Early Learning Center, discusses local efforts to ensure licensed child care centers in La Crosse County are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The segment highlights safety initiatives in child care settings and the importance of emergency preparedness for children and staff.
Tags: Child Care Safety • Community • Sprout Early Learning Center • Local News
📺📰
WIZM 92.3FM / 106.7FM / 1410AM
June 27, 2023
Sherry Picha, owner of Sprout Childcare, joined La Crosse Talk PM to discuss Wisconsin’s child care funding challenges after cuts to the Child Care Counts program. She talks about the impacts on providers, families, and local businesses, and highlights the importance of accessible, sustainable early care.
Tags: Workforce • Policy • Child Care Costs • Advocacy • Wisconsin
📰🎙️
WXOW News 19 (ABC)
by Bowen Kedrowicz
July 22, 2022
Sherry Picha, representing Sprout Early Learning Center, responds to the La Crosse County Board’s decision to table consideration of a local childcare plan. The coverage highlights community-level challenges in childcare access and policy development, as well as perspectives from local providers on the importance of sustainable support for the field.
Tags: Child Care Policy • Community • Advocacy • Sprout Early Learning Center
📰
Why This Coverage Matters
The stories collected here reflect ongoing public conversations about early childhood education, workforce sustainability, and the daily realities of child care and learning environments. Together, they help broaden understanding of the structural, economic, and human factors that shape the field.
By sharing this coverage, we aim to:
-
amplify the voices of educators and experts
-
connect families, allies, and policymakers with grounded insight
-
foster greater understanding of why quality child care matters
-
contribute thoughtfully to systems change and public discourse
This page is intended as a space for reflection, context, and connection, not just headlines. We hope each piece helps deepen understanding and strengthen support for early childhood professionals and the children and families they serve.
Media Inquiries
If you are a journalist, producer, or researcher seeking insight on early childhood education, the child care workforce, or the systems that support quality care, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Sherry brings experience grounded in classroom practice, workforce development, and community-based advocacy. Conversations may focus on child care access and affordability, educator preparation and support, policy impacts, or the realities of sustaining early learning programs.
For media inquiries: thegroacademysherry@gmail.com
We are happy to provide background information, interviews, or additional context for stories related to early childhood education.