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🍂 September is here — and before and after school programs are officially back in action. And if your first week included missing belongings, transportation confusion, tired kindergarteners, changing schedules, new faces, and at least one moment where you wondered what day it was… welcome back, friends. In September Hits Different, Jamie explores why the beginning of the school year deserves more than a new program plan and a freshly laminated set of rules. September is a transition for everyone — children, families, educators, teachers, and programs — and how we approach these first few weeks can shape the relationships we build for the rest of the year. In this episode: 🍁 Lead with curiosity. Before correcting behaviour or making assumptions about a child, get curious about what might be underneath it. 🎒 Remember how BIG September feels to children. For children entering kindergarten especially, virtually everything about their day may have changed. Sometimes what looks like “behaviour” is a child navigating an enormous transition. ✨ Look for micro moments. Relationship building doesn't always happen during some beautifully planned activity. It happens when you remember the soccer tryout. Ask about their dog. Sit beside them while they draw. Laugh at their joke. Notice when something feels different. 👀 Get to know the children before planning for the children. Their interests, personalities, strengths, quirks, needs, friendships and ideas should help shape the program. September is your opportunity to listen and observe. 💛 Find one genuinely good thing about every child. Especially the child you're finding difficult to connect with. 👨‍👩‍👧 Reconnect with families. A thirty-second conversation at pickup can matter more than we realize — particularly for families adjusting to having far less information about their child's school day. 🏫 Start fresh with school partners. Last year was last year. Say hello. Learn names. Ask how someone's summer was. Build the relationship before the day comes when you need to have a difficult conversation. 🙋 Give children ownership. Instead of immediately handing them seventeen rules and a laminated poster about respect, ask: What do you need from this space? What would make this a great year? Your September Challenge This week: Learn something new about every child. Look for the micro moments. Remember something a child tells you — and ask them about it later. Connect with a family. Introduce yourself to someone in the school. Notice a routine that isn't working and get curious about why instead of immediately trying to control it. And ask your children: “What would make this a really great year here?” Then actually listen. Join the Conversation What does September look like in your before and after school program? What's going amazingly well? What's chaotic? What made you laugh this week? And what already feels heavy? Send Jamie a message and tell her what's happening in your program. Your questions, challenges and real-life experiences help shape future conversations on The Forgotten ECE. Because this podcast isn't just about talking about school-age educators. It's about talking with them. 🎙️ The Forgotten ECE is hosted by Jamie Wagler, RECE, OCT — international speaker, consultant, and school-age advocate.

In this heartfelt episode, Jamie celebrates the halfway point of summer childcare and emphasizes the importance of focusing on micro-moments that foster connection, trust, and belonging. Perfect for educators and caregivers navigating busy summer days, this episode reminds us why the small, genuine interactions are the true magic of early childhood education. Key Topics: The challenges and joys of summer childcare programsThe significance of micro-moments—small conversations, laughter, and shared experiencesHow presence, connection, and belonging leave lasting impacts on childrenStrategies to stay grounded and intentional during busy summer daysThe importance of self-compassion and celebrating small winsCreating meaningful relationships that children carry beyond summer⁠Instagram⁠⁠Website⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 - Celebrating the halfway mark of summer childcare 00:21 - Recognizing the effort and resilience of educators during summer 00:50 - Challenges faced by summer staff and their dedication 01:20 - The emotional landscape of summer: excitement, overwhelm, and adjustment 01:49 - Children remember authentic interactions more than schedules 02:17 - The power of micro-moments in building relationships 02:46 - Focusing on one child and moment at a time 03:17 - Simple acts that create lasting memories 03:45 - Supporting children through small, meaningful interactions 04:15 - The importance of being present and intentional 04:44 - Giving grace and focusing on connection over perfection 05:11 - Building trust that lasts beyond summer 05:40 - Creating lifelong memories through everyday moments 06:10 - Encouragement to caregivers to acknowledge their impact 06:29 - Closing encouragement and gratitude

In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, Jamie sits down with Chris Danilo to explore the role of AI in early childhood education and why human skills still matter more than ever. They talk about using AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement, the importance of trust, communication, feedback, and collaboration, and why educators need practical tools that support both performance and wellbeing. Chris also shares his perspective on training, burnout, recovery, and how leaders can build stronger teams by leading with curiosity and compassion.It works because it blends a timely topic with strong emotional relevance, making the episode feel both useful and relatable to educators. Main Topics Covered: The importance of human skills like trust, communication, and emotional intelligence in a tech-heavy worldHow AI can enhance, not replace, human interaction in early childhood settingsPractical strategies for implementing AI tools responsibly and effectivelyThe significance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in team dynamics and educationThe "Be-Do-Feel" framework for guiding skill development and engagementThe necessity of effective feedback and conflict resolution approaches in teamsAdvocating for trauma-informed, relationship-based pedagogy over punitive methodsThe importance of self-care and recovery for educators to sustain high performance⁠Chris Danilo's Website⁠⁠Newsletter Sign-up⁠⁠Human Skills Training Reading List⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Summer camp isn't "just camp"—it's one of the most powerful opportunities we have to foster belonging, confidence, leadership, and lifelong memories for children. In this episode of The Forgotten ECE Podcast, Jamie shares her experience attending Camp North of Ordinary, a unique professional learning experience designed specifically for camp leaders, school-age educators, and recreation professionals. She dives into what made the experience so impactful, the importance of investing in camp staff training, and why summer camp educators need more than enthusiasm to create extraordinary experiences for children. Together, we'll explore: Why camp educators are some of the most overlooked professionals in the fieldThe critical role training plays in creating safe, inclusive, and engaging camp environmentsThe essential tools every summer camp educator should have in their toolboxHow strong leadership and intentional practice transform children's camp experiencesWhy investing in educators ultimately means investing in childrenWhether you're a camp counsellor, supervisor, recreation professional, school-age educator, or someone passionate about childhood, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what summer camp can be when educators are equipped to thrive. Because extraordinary summers don't happen by accident—they happen when extraordinary educators are supported. #TheForgottenECE #CampNorthOfOrdinary #SchoolAgeEducators #SummerCamp #ECEPodcast #CampLeadership #ChildhoodMatters

What is the future of school-age care—and what needs to change first? In this episode of the Forgotten ECE Podcast, Jamie sits down with Cody Topp, owner of TOPP KIDS in Alberta, Chair of the School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA), and a passionate advocate for school-age care across Canada. Together, they dive into the realities of before-and-after school programs, the ongoing struggle for recognition within the ECE sector, and the leadership, advocacy, and system changes needed to move school-age care forward. From Alberta and Ontario perspectives to workforce challenges and program quality, this conversation is honest, thought-provoking, and packed with insight for educators, leaders, and advocates alike. If you care about the future of school-age care, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. In This Episode: Cody Topp’s journey into school-age care leadershipWhy school-age care still struggles for recognitionAlberta vs. Ontario perspectives on before-and-after school programsLeadership lessons from scaling large organizationsThe disconnect between leadership and frontline educatorsAdvocacy and the future of school-age care in CanadaWhat quality school-age programs should really look likeWhat needs to change to better support educators and childrenCody Topp is the owner of TOPP KIDS in Alberta and Chair of the School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA). He is a passionate advocate for high-quality school-age care and has helped lead conversations around leadership, advocacy, and the future of out-of-school care programs across Canada. 🌐 School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA) ⁠https://www.calgarysacda.com⁠ 💼 LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-topp/⁠ 🏫 TOPP KIDS ⁠https://www.toppkids.com/family/cody-topp/⁠ 🎙 Forgotten ECE Podcast 📸 Instagram: @forgottenecepodcast Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator or leader passionate about the future of school-age care. #ForgottenECEPodcast #SchoolAgeCare #ECE #BeforeAndAfterSchool #ChildCareLeadership #OutOfSchoolCare #ECELeadership About Today’s Guest: Connect with Cody Topp Connect with the Forgotten ECE Podcast Enjoying the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator or leader passionate about the future of school-age care. #ForgottenECEPodcast #SchoolAgeCare #ECE #BeforeAndAfterSchool #ChildCareLeadership #OutOfSchoolCare #ECELeadership

🌟 Episode Overview In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, Jamie sits down with Jenny Nechvatal — educator, author, and parent advocate — to explore one of the most challenging and impactful parts of our work: having hard conversations with families. With over 30 years in early childhood education and 22 years of lived experience parenting children with disabilities, Jenny brings a powerful dual perspective that challenges educators to rethink how we approach communication with families. This conversation is especially important for those working in before and after school programs, where time is limited, relationships are complex, and difficult conversations often feel rushed or avoided altogether. Why hard conversations feel so difficult for educatorsWhy families may avoid or fear these conversationsThe emotional realities families experience — especially around diagnosis and supportHow an educator’s approach can either build trust or create distanceUnderstanding Autism and sensory processing in everyday practiceShifting from “delivering information” to building relationshipsPractical strategies to approach conversations with confidence and careWhy these conversations directly impact outcomes for childrenPerspective changes everything — understanding the parent experience transforms how we communicateAvoidance is often rooted in fear, not resistanceTiming, language, and tone matter more than we thinkRelationships come before recommendationsSmall shifts in approach can lead to significantly better outcomes for children and familiesJenny Nechvatal holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 30 years in both teaching and management roles. Her work is deeply shaped by her lived experience as a parent of two children who live with disabilities. This perspective led her to write: 📘 Embracing Disability in Early Childhood – Supporting Children Living with a Disability and Their Families in Early Childhood Settings Jenny now facilitates workshops for educators and families, helping build inclusive environments and strengthening communication between educators and families through empathy, knowledge, and practical strategies. When educators feel confident having difficult conversations, families feel supported — and children benefit. This episode is a reminder that how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. 📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ 📘 Book: Embracing Disability in Early Childhood 🎤 Workshops: Available for educators and families If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Share with a fellow educator ⭐ Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway Hard conversations don’t have to feel like conflict. With the right lens, they can become moments of connection, understanding, and meaningful support for the children and families we serve every day.

What happens after the school day ends? In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, I sit down with Megan from Discover and Play to talk about something we don’t talk about enough in school-age programs — sensory needs, emotional regulation and designing programs for neurodivergence. We dive into: ✨ Why sensory play isn’t just for early years — it’s essential for school-age children ✨ How to support emotional regulation and self-calming in before and after school programs ✨ Creating inclusive environments where every child can feel successful and seen ✨ Simple, realistic sensory strategies you can start using right away This conversation is a powerful reminder that school readiness isn’t just academic — it’s emotional, social, and deeply connected to how children feel in their bodies. 💛 Connect with Megan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discover_and_play/ YouTube: Discover and Play Book: https://a.co/d/0idxHycS Connect with Megan on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@DiscoverandPlay-m1p If you’re working in before and after-school programs, this episode will challenge you to rethink what children really need to thrive. 🎧 Listen now and let’s keep advocating for the children and educators who are too often forgotten. #TheForgottenECE #SchoolAgeCare #BeforeAndAfterSchool #ECE #EmotionalRegulation #SensoryPlay #InclusionMatters

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, Miss Jamie is pulling back the curtain on the "3:00 PM Cliff"—the exact moment when provincial support for children with diverse abilities vanishes, leaving Before and After School (BASC) educators and summer camp leaders stranded. We’re diving deep into the systemic exclusion that tells 1 in 10 families their child is "too diverse" for community programming. Why is a child entitled to support at 2:59 PM but expected to navigate a loud, high-sensory gym alone at 3:01 PM? In this episode, we discuss: The "Magic Act": How funding models pretend diverse abilities disappear when the school bell rings.Jet Fuel vs. Joint Support: A spicy reality check on provincial spending—if there's a budget for private jets, there's a budget for our kids.The Continuity of Care Revolution: Why the "Seamless Day" model is the only way to provide professional dignity to ECEs and emotional safety to children.The Mandated Bridge: Why "hand-offs" shouldn't feel like a game of telephone.Call to Action: It’s time to stop being "forgotten." Miss Jamie shares how you can take this fight to your MPP to demand portable funding and systemic change. Special Announcement: Ready to bring the fun back to your practice? Miss Jamie introduces Camp North of Ordinary, a retreat for RECEs and Recreational Leaders designed to help you reclaim your confidence, find relief from burnout, and master the art of real, neurodiversity-affirming inclusion. Show Notes & Resources: Stat of the Week: 1 in 10 parents of children with diverse abilities are denied care due to a lack of resources.Get Involved:Find your MPP: Use the Ontario MPP Directory to get your representative's email.Send the Letter: Copy and paste our pre-written advocacy letter found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UQoNnmE_YliwEJjgi_jYg1sU-3JpCPTonbzMj8CwrLw/edit?usp=sharingShare: Once you’ve sent it, tag @TheForgottenECE on socials so we can track the movement!Join the Movement: Register for the next Camp North of Ordinary retreat: https://www.missjamieconsulting.com/campnorthFollow Miss Jamie: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-lee-wagler-871773165https://www.instagram.com/missjamie_rece/Keywords: #TheForgottenECE #BASC #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #SeamlessDay #OntarioEducation #ECEBurnout #CampNorthOfOrdinary

In this episode of The Forgotten ECE Podcast, Jamie sits down with developmental psychologist and EdTech innovator Yarden Kedar to explore what it really feels like for bilingual children entering English-speaking environments. Drawing from both his research and personal experience as a parent, Yarden shares powerful insights into the social and emotional challenges children face in their first months of language transition — from navigating friendships to expressing identity without words. Together, they unpack: What educators often miss when supporting bilingual childrenThe hidden emotional load of language acquisitionHow gestures, relationships, and environment shape belongingPractical ways educators can create safer, more inclusive spacesThis conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in before and after school programs — where communication goes far beyond language, and connection is everything.

On today's episode, we welcome Kayla Snidal, the founder of Capable Learners and an experienced early childhood educator with over 15 years in the field. Main topics: Creating adaptable and inclusive sensory bins for all agesThe benefits of sensory play for regulation, creativity, and leadershipTips for managing the mess and making sensory activities low-stressHow to incorporate community resources and recycled materialsBuilding an emergent curriculum based on children's interestsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kayla Snidal and her background in early childhood education00:45 - Inspiration behind her new ebook, '57 Sensory Bin Ideas' 02:19 - The importance of adaptable sensory activities for different materials and budgets 04:01 - Finding sensory materials through thrift stores, community groups, and reuse stores 07:43 - Addressing the gap in family day home sensory opportunities 10:24 - How older children can support and lead during sensory activities 12:24 - The role of sensory play in fostering autonomy, leadership, and fun 13:29 - Favourite sensory bins for school-aged children and their messy, creative appeal 14:59 - Embracing messy, builder-style sensory play to develop problem-solving 20:36 - Strategies for managing mess and stress when introducing sensory bins 22:01 - Adapting sensory play for different age groups and classroom settings 23:14 - Encouraging children to try new sensory activities without stigma 24:08 - School-age expectations for sensory play and their creative uses 25:28 - Introducing sensory bins in out-of-school care to boost engagement 29:56 - Personal story: A memorable sensory bin experience with coffee beans 33:44 - The importance of advocating for the role of sensory play for school-aged children 34:14 - How to access Kayla’s ebook, resources, and exclusive discount code 35:16 - Final thoughts and encouragement for educators to embrace sensory play in their craftResources & Links Beyond the Bin - Virtual WorkshopWesbite57 Sensory Bin Ideas ebook (use code: bins5 for $5 off)Connect with Kayla: InstagramWebsite

Have you ever noticed how a child who was “fine” at school completely unravels in your program at 3:30? The tears. The shutdown. The explosive reaction over something small. It’s not random. And it’s not because your program is the problem. In this episode, we unpack the hidden emotional cost of “holding it together” all day at school — and why before and after school programs often become the place where everything spills out. We explore: What masking looks like in school-age childrenWhy behavior escalates after dismissalThe neurological toll of constant self-regulationThe added pressures kids are carrying today — technology, peer dynamics, bullying, academic workload, unrealistic expectationsWhy your program often becomes the safe landing zoneBut this conversation doesn’t stop at understanding. We go deeper into what actually helps. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for: Co-regulation with 6–12 year olds (without treating them like preschoolers)Adjusting your emotional stance so you don’t escalate the situationCreating decompression rituals after schoolSupporting nervous system resets through the environment and programmingRecognizing when behaviour is communication, not defianceWe also talk about the impact of your regulation — how your tone, posture, pacing, and response style directly influence whether a child stabilizes or spirals. School-age children are navigating more complexity than ever before. They are managing social media exposure, peer comparison, academic demands, and social pressure — often without the emotional scaffolding to process it all. Before and after school programs have a powerful opportunity: not just to supervise time, but to provide nervous system safety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the intensity of after-school behaviour, this episode will help you see it differently — and respond in ways that build resilience instead of resistance. Because sometimes the meltdown isn’t misbehaviour. It’s a relief. NEVER MISS AN EPISODE: https://miss-jamie-consulting.kit.com/2d1b0877c0

Moving from early years to school age can feel like an identity crisis. In preschool, you’re needed constantly — tying shoes, regulating emotions, leading the room. Then suddenly you’re in a school-age program, and no one wants your planned activity. They’re building forts, forming friend groups, and asking, “Is it mandatory?” What happened? In this episode, we unpack the “independence shock” educators experience when transitioning to ages 4–12. We break down why autonomy isn’t rejection — it’s development. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and school-age research, we explore the shift from directing to offering, from compliance to choice-based programming, and from being the center of the room to becoming the architect of the environment. You’ll walk away with: A clear understanding of why school-age children resist adult-led controlThe difference between offering invitations and directing participationPractical strategies for planning without micromanagingA new way to measure success in before and after-school programsIf you’ve ever thought, “They don’t need me like preschoolers did,” this episode is your reset. They don’t need you the same way. And that’s exactly the point. Your ticket to elevated school-age PD is one click away! Join me at Camp North of Ordinary for a Summer Camp Leadership Retreat, designed for educators who work with School Agers! Whether that is before and after-school programs or summer camp! More information here: missjamieconsulting.com/campnorth

Families may only see us at the edges of the day — at drop-off and pickup — but trust is built in everything that happens in between. In this episode, Jamie explores the often-invisible work of family partnership beyond face-to-face moments. From emails and newsletters to documentation, tone, and transparency, this conversation reframes communication as one of the most powerful tools educators have to build trust, advocate for their profession, and create a true sense of community. Rooted in How Does Learning Happen?, the CECE Code of Ethics, and relationship-based practice, this episode challenges educators to see communication not as an extra task — but as intentional professional practice. Because when families aren’t in the room, our words, documentation, and tone become the program.

Morning drop-off is more than a transition — it’s a threshold moment. It’s where children transition from home to community, where parents entrust them, and where educators subtly establish the emotional tone for the entire day. In this episode, Jamie explores the professional, emotional, and developmental importance of morning drop-off in before- and after-school programs. Drawing on attachment theory, co-regulation, and reflective practice, she reframes drop-off as one of the most powerful — and underestimated — moments in school-age care. Rather than focusing on perfection or routines alone, this episode centres presence, tone, and intentional connection — and how educators’ responses in the first minutes of the day shape children’s sense of safety, belonging, and readiness to engage.

Pickup time. Three minutes. Twenty backpacks. One educator is trying to hold connection, information, safety, and emotion all at once. In this episode, Jamie dives into one of the most universal — and underestimated — moments in before- and after-school care: the guardian pickup conversation. With genuine candour, warmth, and the wisdom of a seasoned school-age educator, Jamie explores what’s truly happening in that chaotic, sacred window at the end of the day. It’s not just signing children out or handing over reminders — it’s relationship-building in real time. Jamie breaks down: Why pickup feels so chaotic — and why it matters How micro-moments shape family trust and confidence The emotional labour educators quietly carry in those last minutes What guardians are actually hearing between the lines How to share concerns with compassion and professionalism The small communication shifts that turn chaos into connectionThis episode reminds educators that those quick end-of-day conversations are more than routine — they are the heartbeat of family engagement. Whether you’re a new educator learning the “pickup dance,” a seasoned supervisor supporting your team, or someone who’s ever ended a day absolutely spent, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and proud of the work you do. Because the truth is: Before- and after-school educators don’t just manage time — they build bridges between home and program, one 3-minute conversation at a time.