The Future of School-Age Care Sta...

The Future of School-Age Care Starts Here: What Needs to Change First with Cody Topp

The Forgotten ECE di Jamie-Lee Wagler
S3 · E9
10 mag 2026
37:14

Note sull'episodio

What is the future of school-age care—and what needs to change first?

In this episode of the Forgotten ECE Podcast, Jamie sits down with Cody Topp, owner of TOPP KIDS in Alberta, Chair of the School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA), and a passionate advocate for school-age care across Canada.

Together, they dive into the realities of before-and-after school programs, the ongoing struggle for recognition within the ECE sector, and the leadership, advocacy, and system changes needed to move school-age care forward.

From Alberta and Ontario perspectives to workforce challenges and program quality, this conversation is honest, thought-provoking, and packed with insight for educators, leaders, and advocates alike.

If you care about the future of school-age care, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In This Episode:

  • Cody Topp’s journey into school-age care leadership
  • Why school-age care still struggles for recognition
  • Alberta vs. Ontario perspectives on before-and-after school programs
  • Leadership lessons from scaling large organizations
  • The disconnect between leadership and frontline educators
  • Advocacy and the future of school-age care in Canada
  • What quality school-age programs should really look like
  • What needs to change to better support educators and children

Cody Topp is the owner of TOPP KIDS in Alberta and Chair of the School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA). He is a passionate advocate for high-quality school-age care and has helped lead conversations around leadership, advocacy, and the future of out-of-school care programs across Canada.

🌐 School Age Care Directors Association (SACDA) ⁠https://www.calgarysacda.com⁠

💼 LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-topp/⁠

🏫 TOPP KIDS ⁠https://www.toppkids.com/family/cody-topp/⁠

🎙 Forgotten ECE Podcast 📸 Instagram: @forgottenecepodcast

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator or leader passionate about the future of school-age care.

#ForgottenECEPodcast #SchoolAgeCare #ECE #BeforeAndAfterSchool #ChildCareLeadership #OutOfSchoolCare #ECELeadership

About Today’s Guest: Connect with Cody Topp

Connect with the Forgotten ECE Podcast

Enjoying the Podcast?

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator or leader passionate about the future of school-age care.

#ForgottenECEPodcast #SchoolAgeCare #ECE #BeforeAndAfterSchool #ChildCareLeadership #OutOfSchoolCare #ECELeadership

Parole chiave

before and after school
advocacy
funding
Early childhood education
Early childhood educator
belonging

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