The Forgotten ECE

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 & LinksBeyond 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.

Split shifts are more than early mornings and late afternoons — they are emotional marathons.In Episode 12, Jamie brings voice to the invisible work of school-age educators who live in the “in-between” hours: the early starts, the long breaks no one understands, and the emotional balancing act required to show up twice a day with presence, patience, and heart.With honesty, humour, and a whole lot of compassion, Jamie explores the emotional labour behind split-shift work — the self-regulation, the empathy, the attunement, and the quiet resilience that never makes it onto a schedule.She unpacks what research says about co-regulation and attachment during transitions, reflects on the realities of caregiver fatigue, and validates the educators who feel overstretched yet continue to hold space for children with incredible care.This episode is a grounding reminder that school-age educators don’t just “cover hours” — they hold space, build belonging, and create emotional safety in the margins of the day.Whether you’re an educator, a supervisor, or someone who has ever felt unseen in your split-shift role, this episode will make you feel understood, valued, and profoundly proud of the work you do.

Compliance. Just hearing the word can make an educator’s shoulders tense — especially in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of before- and after-school care.In this episode, Jamie gets real about the emotional labour, pressure, and pride behind keeping programs compliant under the CCEYA — and why compliance isn’t just about checklists or binders. It’s about people.From navigating borrowed spaces and unpredictable transitions to leading teams with compassion instead of fear, Jamie reframes compliance as something deeply human — a reflection of care, not control.She reminds us that every policy has a heartbeat: ✅ Attendance means safety. ✅ Documentation means trust. ✅ Inspections mean accountability — and opportunity.This episode is a powerful reminder that we can meet every regulation and still keep our hearts in the work.Whether you’re an educator feeling the weight of expectations or a supervisor leading your team through licensing season, this one will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and proud of the professionalism that lives in every detail of your day.

In this special episode of The Forgotten ECE Podcast, I’m joined by two inspiring leaders in the early childhood education field: Carla Ward, host of The Everything ECE Podcast, and Julie Hansen, founder of The Inspired ECE.We dive deep into practical and respectful guidance strategies for school-age children, exploring:Common challenges and how to reframe themTools for building meaningful connections with kidsRealistic approaches to structure and expectationsA sneak peek into Carla and Julie’s exciting upcoming workshop on August 16thWhether you're an educator, program leader, or advocate, this conversation is packed with powerful takeaways you can use right away.✨ Connect with the Guests: 🔗 Carla Ward on Instagram: @elfoundations 🎧 Listen to Carla’s podcast: The Everything ECE Podcast 📸 Julie Hansen on Instagram: @inspired_ece🗓️ Register for the August 16th workshop: 👉 elfoundations.thrivecart.com/guidance-strategies🎧 Let’s keep showing up—because kids don’t stop growing when they turn six.

Time is short. Budgets are tight. But that doesn’t mean your programming has to feel flat or uninspired. In this episode, we dive into realistic, meaningful, and low-prep ideas that bring connection, joy, and purpose into your before and after school programs—without extra stress or spending.From spontaneous games and open-ended materials to quick-win transitions and group reflections, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use tomorrow, even if your day is already jammed. Because sometimes, the most magical moments happen when we do less—with intention.Perfect for:✔️ Educators stretched thin✔️ Teams working with limited resources✔️ Anyone who wants to make a difference without burning outYou’ll walk away with:Easy go-to experiences that require zero prepWays to shift mindset from “more stuff” to “more meaning”A challenge to reflect on what really makes an impact

In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, host Jamie Wagler explores how before and after school programs across different centres and agencies can move from isolation to collaboration. Discover how community-wide connections can reduce burnout, increase impact, and create more consistent, meaningful experiences for children and educators alike.Whether you’re in a school, a community space, or a rural centre, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiring ideas to help you build bridges—not silos.

What does before and after school care look like on Canada’s West Coast?In this special episode of The Forgotten ECE, we journey to British Columbia to hear from Cayley Burton, a dedicated educator leading a vibrant school-age program in her community. As part of our cross-country series, Beyond the Bell, Cayley sheds light on the structure, challenges, and stand-out successes of school-age care in B.C.From staffing ratios and provincial supports to the small, powerful moments that make this work meaningful, Cayley brings her lived experience to the forefront. Whether you're an ECE professional, policymaker, or advocate, this episode will deepen your understanding of how before and after school programs are shaped by place—and by the passionate people who make them thrive.💡 Discover what makes school-age care in B.C. unique. 💬 Hear real stories from the frontlines of extended-day learning. 🌱 Be inspired by Cayley’s vision for a more inclusive and supported future in child care.Cayley Burton is an Early Childhood Educator, advocate, researcher, writer, and consultant. Holding a Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Cayley has collaborated with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates (CCCABC) and AutismBC on advancing public policy for child care and disability support systems that meet localized community needs. Cayley currently lives, works, and plays on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples in Richmond, BC, where she's worked in before/after school programs for the past 4 years. Cayley is honoured to be a guest on Miss Jamie's podcast!Want to reach out to Cayley?Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠Facebook - Cay Burton LinkedIn - Cay Burton Bluesky - ⁠@caylburto.bsky.social⁠

In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with a life coach who specializes in guiding moms through the complex world of parenting school-age children while prioritizing their own well-being. We explore the personal journey that led her to this work, the challenges modern moms face, and why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.From shifting mindsets around guilt and self-care to modeling emotional resilience, our guest offers empowering insights and actionable strategies for staying grounded amid the chaos of family life. We also dive into the everyday struggles moms encounter—like school stress, friendship issues, and big emotions—and how to know when extra support is needed. Plus, we talk about the importance of building a village, setting boundaries, and how partners and extended family can play a vital role.Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just looking for a boost, this episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of your kids.

In this episode, Jamie Wagler dives into the world of play—exploring how educators can move beyond basic free play to design innovative, intentional, and developmentally rich play experiences. From loose parts and STEAM integration to the importance of risk-taking and child-led exploration, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-life insights that will spark fresh ideas for your program.Jamie also answers listener questions about overcoming boredom, introducing loose parts, and talking to parents about risky play. Whether you’re new to school-age programming or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you inspired to elevate play in your space.

In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges in before and after-school programs—helping children navigate big emotions. After a long school day, many kids arrive overstimulated, exhausted, or carrying unresolved feelings. So how can educators support them in a way that fosters emotional growth rather than frustration?Join me as I share practical strategies for both preventing emotional overwhelm and responding in the moment when big emotions arise. We’ll explore real-life scenarios—like after-school meltdowns, peer conflicts, and transition struggles—and discuss simple techniques like emotion check-ins, co-regulation strategies, and reflective practices.Whether you’re an educator, program leader, or someone passionate about supporting school-age children, this episode is packed with tools to help you create a calm, emotionally supportive environment. Tune in now!