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=sharing
  • Share: 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/campnorth
• Follow Miss Jamie:
  • www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-lee-wagler-871773165
  • https://www.instagram.com/missjamie_rece/

Keywords: #TheForgottenECE #BASC #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #SeamlessDay #OntarioEducation #ECEBurnout #CampNorthOfOrdinary

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 children
• The hidden emotional load of language acquisition
• How gestures, relationships, and environment shape belonging
• Practical ways educators can create safer, more inclusive spaces

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in before and after school programs — where communication goes far beyond language, and connection is everything.

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 ages
• The benefits of sensory play for regulation, creativity, and leadership
• Tips for managing the mess and making sensory activities low-stress
• How to incorporate community resources and recycled materials
• Building an emergent curriculum based on children's interests

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Kayla Snidal and her background in early childhood education
• 00:45 - 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 craft

Resources & Links

• Beyond the Bin - Virtual Workshop
• Wesbite
• 57 Sensory Bin Ideas ebook (use code: bins5 for $5 off)

Connect with Kayla:

• Instagram
• Website