PBS Kids

PBS Kids is a beloved brand of educational programming for children in the United States. Here’s everything a viewer would likely want to know about it:

1. What is PBS Kids?

PBS Kids is the children’s programming block from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), which airs educational shows aimed at kids ages 2–8. It offers content that blends fun with learning, focusing on topics like literacy, math, science, social skills, and emotional development. The shows are designed to teach kids important life skills and concepts in an engaging and entertaining way.

2. When Does PBS Kids Air?

PBS Kids programming typically airs all day, with a larger block of shows during the daytime hours. In some markets, PBS Kids also has a 24-hour digital channel that provides constant access to children’s content, especially helpful for families who prefer on-demand viewing. You can also stream PBS Kids content online and via the PBS Kids app.

3. PBS Kids Shows

PBS Kids is known for its range of iconic and educational shows. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Arthur – Follows an aardvark and his friends navigating childhood challenges.
• Sesame Street – A classic program that combines puppets, animation, and live-action segments to teach everything from counting to social skills.
• Curious George – Follows the curious monkey George and his adventures, helping kids explore science and problem-solving.
• The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! – Based on Dr. Seuss’s character, it teaches kids about science and discovery.
• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this show teaches kids about emotional intelligence and social skills.
• Sid the Science Kid – A fun, science-focused show that makes complex concepts accessible to young minds.
• Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – While no longer in production, this show’s influence still carries on through PBS Kids programming, teaching kindness, empathy, and understanding.

PBS Kids also airs shows like Wild Kratts, Peg + Cat, Pinky Dinky Doo, Super WHY!, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

4. Educational Goals

The programming is aligned with educational standards and developed with input from child development experts. It’s designed to teach children foundational skills:

• Early literacy: Teaching the alphabet, reading comprehension, and phonics.
• Mathematics: Basic math concepts such as numbers, counting, shapes, and problem-solving.
• Social-emotional learning: Understanding feelings, empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving in relationships.
• STEM: Encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Critical thinking: Shows like Curious George and Sid the Science Kid often focus on experimentation and logical reasoning.

5. PBS Kids App & Online Presence

PBS Kids has a robust digital presence, offering free apps for mobile devices and tablets, along with online streaming on its website and platforms like YouTube. The PBS Kids website features full episodes of shows, games, and other educational activities. The apps allow parents and kids to watch shows and play games at home or on the go.

6. PBS Kids’ Impact

PBS Kids programming has been praised for its educational value, and research shows it has a significant positive impact on children’s learning. Shows on PBS Kids encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and empathy, helping to shape well-rounded, emotionally intelligent children.

7. Partnerships and Sponsorships

PBS Kids content is often sponsored by organizations that focus on education, children’s health, and family well-being. In many cases, corporate sponsors support PBS Kids through commercial-free funding, ensuring that the content remains accessible to everyone. Some popular brands or organizations, like the U.S. Department of Education, contribute to PBS Kids programming.

8. PBS Kids for Parents and Educators

PBS Kids doesn’t just serve children—it also offers valuable resources for parents and educators. The PBS Kids website includes articles, tips, and guides about how to help children learn, handle social issues, and foster emotional development. It also has advice for teachers on how to integrate PBS Kids content into their classrooms.

9. Is PBS Kids Commercial-Free?

Yes, PBS Kids programming is commercial-free. Instead of traditional commercials, PBS Kids features short interstitials promoting PBS Kids’ mission or sponsors in a way that’s designed not to disrupt the educational content.

10. PBS Kids’ Accessibility

PBS Kids makes an effort to be inclusive, providing content that’s accessible to children with disabilities. Some shows have closed captioning, and the PBS Kids website and apps are designed to be navigable for children with varying abilities. There are also a number of bilingual programs and content available in Spanish to cater to diverse audiences.

11. PBS Kids and Diversity

PBS Kids strives for diversity in its programming, featuring characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Shows like Sesame Street have introduced characters from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, while Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has focused on inclusivity, teaching about kindness, acceptance, and understanding of others.

PBS Kids has become an integral part of children’s lives in the U.S. by delivering content that is both fun and educational, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive as they grow.