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 connection

This 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.

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.

Compliance. Just hearing the word can make an educator’s shoulders tense — especially in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of before- and after-school care.

In this episode, Jamie gets real about the emotional labour, pressure, and pride behind keeping programs compliant under the CCEYA — and why compliance isn’t just about checklists or binders. It’s about people.

From navigating borrowed spaces and unpredictable transitions to leading teams with compassion instead of fear, Jamie reframes compliance as something deeply human — a reflection of care, not control.

She reminds us that every policy has a heartbeat: ✅ Attendance means safety. ✅ Documentation means trust. ✅ Inspections mean accountability — and opportunity.

This episode is a powerful reminder that we can meet every regulation and still keep our hearts in the work.

Whether you’re an educator feeling the weight of expectations or a supervisor leading your team through licensing season, this one will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and proud of the professionalism that lives in every detail of your day.