In 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.

What 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 ECE professional, policymaker, or advocate, this episode will deepen your understanding of how before and after school programs are shaped by place—and by the passionate people who make them thrive.

💡 Discover what makes school-age care in B.C. unique. 💬 Hear real stories from the frontlines of extended-day learning. 🌱 Be inspired by Cayley’s vision for a more inclusive and supported future in child care.

Cayley Burton is an Early Childhood Educator, advocate, researcher, writer, and consultant. Holding a Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Cayley has collaborated with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates (CCCABC) and AutismBC on advancing public policy for child care and disability support systems that meet localized community needs. Cayley currently lives, works, and plays on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples in Richmond, BC, where she's worked in before/after school programs for the past 4 years. Cayley is honoured to be a guest on Miss Jamie's podcast!

Want to reach out to Cayley?

Email - ⁠cayleynburton@gmail.com⁠

Facebook - Cay Burton

LinkedIn - Cay Burton

Bluesky - ⁠@caylburto.bsky.social⁠

In 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, friendship issues, and big emotions—and how to know when extra support is needed. Plus, we talk about the importance of building a village, setting boundaries, and how partners and extended family can play a vital role.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just looking for a boost, this episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of your kids.

In 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 inspired to elevate play in your space.

In 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-regulation strategies, and reflective practices.

Whether you’re an educator, program leader, or someone passionate about supporting school-age children, this episode is packed with tools to help you create a calm, emotionally supportive environment. Tune in now!

🚨 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 role, this one’s for you. Let’s change the narrative together!🎧 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/16Nol7RL2yL6Dh6vg45SWY?si=1yLqXjOgSBqKw8z3RNAQww💬 Share your thoughts in the comments! Have you experienced this invisibility? Let’s talk. ⬇️ #TheForgottenECE #ECEVoices #Advocacy #BeforeAndAfterSchool #earlychildhoodeducation

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 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 seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to embrace the impact you make every day.

Tune in and rediscover the spark! 🎙✨

Anisha - The ECC = https://www.instagram.com/anisha.theecc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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.