The Forgotten ECE

🚨 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 unn...

Feeling 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...

January 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.

In 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 sc...

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 pro...

In 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 chil...

In 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 ed...

In 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 pro...

In 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 plan...

In 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.

Join 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.

The ups and downs of technology in your programs and my thoughts on them.

Join 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 ri...

On 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.

In 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...

Risky 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 t...

This 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.

Welcome 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.