Shows
The Forgotten ECEStronger Together: Building Bridges in Before and After School ProgramsIn 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.2025-06-1613 min
The Forgotten ECEForgotten ECEs Across Canada: British Columbia - Advocacy with Cayley BurtonWhat 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 EC...2025-06-161h 01
The Forgotten ECERaising Resilient Kids Starts with you: Conversation with Annalisa -Life Coach for MomsIn 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...2025-06-1647 min
The Forgotten ECEBeyond Free Play: Innovative Play StrategiesIn 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 insp...2025-06-1610 min
The Forgotten ECEHandling Big Emotions in Before and After School ProgramsIn 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-regulat...2025-06-1613 min
The Forgotten ECEWhat do you Even do all day? The Invisible Educators🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️✨What Do You Even Do All Day? The Invisibility of ECEs in Before & After School ProgramsBefore and after school educators hear it all the time: “Oh, you just babysit, right?” or “What do you even do all day?” 🤦♀️ The reality? We’re fostering relationships, supporting development, and creating meaningful play-based learning experiences—but too often, our work goes unnoticed.In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, I’m diving into the challenges of being an Early Childhood Educator in school-age programs, the misconceptions we face, and how we can advocate for the recognition we deserve.💡 If you’ve ever felt invisible in your r...2025-02-2309 min
The Forgotten ECERekindling the Spark: Staying Inspired as a Before and After School EducatorFeeling burnt out? You’re not alone. In this uplifting episode of The Forgotten ECE podcast, we tackle the realities of burnout in before and after-school programs—and how to reignite the passion that brought you here in the first place.Special guest Anisha Angella, The Early Childhood Coach, joins us to share her expert insights on overcoming burnout, reconnecting with your purpose, and finding joy in your work again. Through practical strategies, inspiring stories, and the power of community, we explore how educators can stay motivated in this often-overlooked field.Whether you’re a season...2025-02-0927 min
The Forgotten ECENavigating January Blues in Before and After School ProgramsJanuary can be a tough month for school-age programs, with children and educators feeling the effects of post-holiday fatigue, colder weather, and long school days. This episode explores strategies to reignite energy and engagement in your programs while supporting both staff and children during this transitional period.2025-01-2614 min
The Forgotten ECEAdvocating for Equitable Funding in Ontario School Age ProgramsIn this episode, Jamie shines a spotlight on a critical yet often overlooked issue: the funding disparities in Ontario's school-age childcare programs. They unpack how inequitable funding impacts children, families, and educators, delving into the systemic barriers that perpetuate these challenges.The discussion highlights key differences between funding structures for early years programs and school-age care, revealing a persistent gap that undermines accessibility and quality. Guest speakers [insert guest names or roles, if applicable] bring their expertise and lived experiences to the table, sharing stories from the front lines of advocacy.Listeners will gain insight...2024-12-1509 min
The Forgotten ECEECE Podcasters Reveal Their Secrets on Mentorship and More!Join Jamie as she speaks with nine incredible podcasting educators in this roundtable discussion to explore the vital themes of mentorship, self-care, and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play in maintaining creativity and passion in teaching while offering practical self-care tips and leadership insights. The podcasters share their experiences and highlight the need for proactive mentorship to bridge the gap between educational preparation and real classroom challenges. The podcast advocates for valuing early childhood educators and encourages collaboration to elevate the profession.ECEs included in this incredible episode:Erica Saccoccio...2024-12-081h 23
The Forgotten ECEThe Power of PlayIn this episode of The Forgotten ECE, we dive deep into the vital role that play serves in before and after school programs. Often overshadowed by academic pressures and structured routines, play is an essential component of child development, offering opportunities for creativity, social interaction, and emotional growth. We explore how these programs can foster a balanced environment where children can explore, learn, and build relationships outside of traditional classroom settings. Experts in early childhood education share insights on the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting play in extended care, and we discuss why it's crucial to prioritize play-based...2024-11-2414 min
The Forgotten ECEThe Journey of a RECEIn this episode, I sit down with Amanda Lucier, RECE and cofounder of Sensory Sprouts, to dive into her inspiring journey in the Early Childhood Education field. From starting out as an ECE assistant to becoming a Supervisor, Amanda shares how Before and After School programs played a pivotal role in shaping her career.We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting school-age educators and how Amanda ensures they receive the same level of support as their preschool and toddler RECE counterparts. Whether you’re an aspiring supervisor, a school-age educator, or ju...2024-11-1032 min
The Everything ECE Podcast#159: Supporting School Age Programs with Jamie-Lee Wagler
Jamie Wagler joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the crucial role of school-age educators. She explores the high turnover rates in before and after school programs and their detrimental effects on children. Jamie advocates for the creation of full-time positions to enhance stability, improved training, and stronger community support for educators. She stresses the significance of building meaningful connections with children, designing engaging environments, and involving them in program planning. Additionally, Jamie addresses the challenges of split shifts, the need for clear boundaries, the impact of technology on learning, and the necessity of greater administrative...2024-10-0420 min
The Forgotten ECEBeyond the Bell - The Hidden Impacts of After School Professionals Feat. Erica SaccoccioIn this episode of "The Forgotten ECE with Miss Jamie," titled "Beyond the Bell: The Hidden Impact of Afterschool Professionals," we’re turning the spotlight on the crucial yet often overlooked role of before and afterschool programs. Our guest today is Erica Saccoccio from the Childcare Director's Chair podcast. Together, we’ll explore the significant impact these programs and their dedicated professionals have on children, despite frequently being overshadowed in discussions about quality education and care. We’ll delve into the challenges they face, including issues with funding, recognition, and quality rating systems, and discuss how we can advocate for mo...2024-09-2231 min
The Forgotten ECECamp ChroniclesIn this inaugural episode of The Forgotten ECE, join us as we embark on a journey into the heart of summer camp! From the initial excitement of the season's arrival to the meticulous preparations that turn an ordinary summer camp into a haven of adventure, we’re diving into every detail.Tune in to hear anecdotes from summer camp veterans, tips for organizing a smooth setup and executing your plans throughout every week of camp. Whether you’re a summer camp enthusiast or just curious about the magic behind the scenes, this episode is your first step what...2024-07-2843 min
The Forgotten ECETerritory TensionsIn this compelling episode, we navigate the intricate challenges and triumphs of repurposing community spaces to support before and after-school programs. Join us as we delve into the complexities of sharing space among schools, libraries, and churches, and the profound impact it has on underserved communities.2024-06-0421 min
The Forgotten ECEBehind the Scenes: The Vital Role of Documentation in School Age ProgramsJoin me as I delve into the essential, yet often overlooked, practice of documentation and its profound impact on shaping the educational landscape for school-age children.2024-05-1923 min
The Forgotten ECETechnology TangoThe ups and downs of technology in your programs and my thoughts on them.2024-05-0509 min
The Forgotten ECEGender with Rhi KleinJoin me and my special guest, Rhi Klein, for a thought-provoking discussion about Gender in School Age Programs. Together, we'll delve into the crucial question of what is age-appropriate when it comes to navigating gender dynamics in educational settings. From understanding why it is crucial to breakaway from gender stereotypes, to helping navigating difficult situations and advocating for the rights of individuals. Don't miss this insightful conversation as we unpack the complexities of gender in before and after school age programs.2024-04-0743 min
The Forgotten ECEMarch MadnessOn this episode of The Forgotten ECE, we delve into the trials and triumphs of ECEs navigating the chaos of March Break in all of its wonders. From the importance of the program, to managing behaviours and how to offer emergent curriculum in a themed week.2024-03-2422 min
The Forgotten ECESnack Attack: Fueling up for successIn this episode, we delve into the crucial role of nutrition in before and after school programs, exploring how providing balanced meals can significantly impact a child's learning, behavior, and overall well-being. From discussing the importance of breakfast to strategies for encouraging healthy snacking habits, we uncover practical tips and insights for creating environments that support optimal nutrition for children in these programs. Tune in to discover how small changes in meal planning and snack choices can make a big difference in fueling young minds for success!2024-03-1022 min
The Forgotten ECERisky PlayRisky play in before and after school early childhood education (ECE) programs involves providing children with opportunities to engage in activities that may involve some level of risk, such as climbing trees, exploring uneven terrain, or using tools under supervision. While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing children to participate in risky play has been shown to have numerous benefits for their development.2024-02-2523 min
The Forgotten ECEClapping Back Against SkepticsThis episode is about challenging the status quo, advocating for greater recognition of before and after school education and overall, arming you with the information you need to clap back at skeptics.2024-02-1112 min
The Forgotten ECEPilotWelcome to The Forgotten ECE and thank you for tuning in. This is for those wonderful educators who teach Before and After School programs, Summer Camp, March Break and PD camps and are thrown wherever they are needed in between! If you have a passion for what you do, or are looking to reignite that flame, join me every two weeks.2024-01-2806 min