The Forgotten ECE

Jamie-Lee Wagler

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

    5D AGO

    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.

    50 min
  2. Capable Learners Day Home: Kayla's 57 Sensory Bin Ideas for Engaging Play

    MAR 22

    Capable Learners Day Home: Kayla's 57 Sensory Bin Ideas for Engaging Play

    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

    31 min
  3. The Hidden Cost of Holding it Together

    MAR 1

    The Hidden Cost of Holding it Together

    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

    15 min
  4. But They Don't Need Me

    FEB 22

    But They Don't Need Me

    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

    16 min
  5. The Space Between: Partnering with Families Beyond Pickup and Drop-Off

    JAN 12

    The Space Between: Partnering with Families Beyond Pickup and Drop-Off

    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.

    11 min
  6. Mini-Series: Families at the Edges - Morning Drop-Off Energy: Setting the Tone for the Day”

    12/14/2025

    Mini-Series: Families at the Edges - Morning Drop-Off Energy: Setting the Tone for the Day”

    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.

    13 min
  7. Mini-Series: Families at the Edges - Connections Between Bells: Guardian Pickup Conversations: Navigating the 3-Minute Window

    11/30/2025

    Mini-Series: Families at the Edges - Connections Between Bells: Guardian Pickup Conversations: Navigating the 3-Minute Window

    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.

    11 min
  8. Holding Space, Not Just Time: Emotional Labour in Split-Shift Work

    11/23/2025

    Holding Space, Not Just Time: Emotional Labour in Split-Shift Work

    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.

    9 min
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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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Miss Jamie Consulting 2024
  • Show Website
    The Forgotten ECE