The Forgotten ECE

Jamie-Lee Wagler
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

The Forgotten ECE is a podcast for School Age Early Childhood Educators; Child and Youth Workers and Recreation Staff. Host , Jamie Wagler unpacks the ins and outs of Before and After School, PD Day and Camp programs. This podcast will guide you in creative and inspiring ways to include play-based education within your School Age Programs; breaking down the importance of these programs and educators who are passionate in making a difference in the lives of the children.

  1. 20h ago

    Summer of '26

    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

    Summer of '26

  2. Jul 12

    Human Skills, AI and Chris Danilo, Oh My!

    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

    Human Skills, AI and Chris Danilo, Oh My!

  3. Jun 17

    Investing in Summer Camp Educators

    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

    Investing in Summer Camp Educators

  4. May 10

    The Future of School-Age Care Starts Here: What Needs to Change First with Cody Topp

    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

    The Future of School-Age Care Starts Here: What Needs to Change First with Cody Topp

  5. May 3

    Hard Conversations, Real Connections: A New Lens on Supporting Families

    🌟 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: ⁠idsenquiries@outlook.com⁠ 📘 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.

    Hard Conversations, Real Connections: A New Lens on Supporting Families

  6. Apr 26

    Ready to Learn, Ready to Play: Sensory Regulation in Before & After School Programs with Megan Dorssers of Discover and Play

    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

    Ready to Learn, Ready to Play: Sensory Regulation in Before & After School Programs with Megan Dorssers of Discover and Play

  7. Apr 19

    The Inclusion Gap in School Age and Summer Camp Program

    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

    The Inclusion Gap in School Age and Summer Camp Program

  8. Mar 29

    When Language Feels Like a Barrier: Supporting Bilingual Children in School-Age Spaces with Dr. Yarden Kedar

    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.

    When Language Feels Like a Barrier: Supporting Bilingual Children in School-Age Spaces with Dr. Yarden Kedar
See All (41)

Trailer

About

The Forgotten ECE is a podcast for School Age Early Childhood Educators; Child and Youth Workers and Recreation Staff. Host , Jamie Wagler unpacks the ins and outs of Before and After School, PD Day and Camp programs. This podcast will guide you in creative and inspiring ways to include play-based education within your School Age Programs; breaking down the importance of these programs and educators who are passionate in making a difference in the lives of the children.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie-Lee Wagler
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Miss Jamie Consulting 2024
  • Show Website
    The Forgotten ECE