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. But They Don't Need Me

    -6 ДН.

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

    30.11.2025

    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 мин.

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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.