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

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 leadershipWhy school-age care still struggles for recognitionAlberta vs. Ontario perspectives on before-and-after school programsLeadership lessons from scaling large organizationsThe disconnect between leadership and frontline educatorsAdvocacy and the future of school-age care in CanadaWhat quality school-age programs should really look likeWhat needs to change to better support educators and childrenCody 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: @forgottenecepodcastBe 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 #ECELeadershipAbout Today’s Guest: Connect with Cody ToppConnect with the Forgotten ECE PodcastEnjoying 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