Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager of Children's Programming at PBS, recently spoke about the network and its commitment to helping nurture young viewers. "At PBS KIDS, our mission is to foster a love of learning in every child," she said. "We want to empower kids to actively pursue a passion or an interest long after the screen is turned off." It's hard to believe, but in September Sesame Street will begin its 44th season. Yes, it has been 44 years since we were introduced to the wonderful and memorable characters on Sesame Street. As the show progresses through the years, new characters have been added. I remember when Abby Cadabby was introduced and the love young kids had and still have for the bumbling fairy-in-training. During the new season, Cookie Monster will star in a new segment called "Cookies' Crumby Pictures." This adorable cookie-eating blue fellow has a popular fan base spanning generations. "Give me cookie!" Also during this new season, a new Latino member of the show will be introduced. His name is Armando and he will interact a lot with the other Hispanic actors, Maria and Luis, and also the delightful Rosita, the Latina Muppet and Ovejita, the other Spanish speaking Muppet. I spoke with Lesli at the recent Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, where she was eager and excited about their newest program, Peg + Cat, which premiers in September 2013. "Last year we introduced Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood." That show was "based on the philosophy of...

PBS KIDS remains dedicated to educational content for kids, with popular shows like 'Sesame Street', set to enter its 44th season.

PBS KIDS is Still Going Strong

Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager of Children's Programming at PBS, recently spoke about the network and its commitment to helping nurture young viewers. "At PBS KIDS, our mission is to foster a love of learning in every child," she said. "We want to empower kids to actively pursue a passion or an interest long after the screen is turned off." It's hard to believe, but in September Sesame Street will begin its 44th season. Yes, it has been 44 years since we were introduced to the wonderful and memorable characters on Sesame Street. As the show progresses through the years, new characters have been added. I remember when Abby Cadabby was introduced and the love young kids had and still have for the bumbling fairy-in-training.  During the new season, Cookie Monster will star in a new segment called "Cookies' Crumby Pictures." This adorable cookie-eating blue fellow has a popular fan base spanning generations. "Give me cookie!" Also during this new season, a new Latino member of the show will be introduced. His name is Armando and he will interact a lot with the other Hispanic actors, Maria and Luis, and also the delightful Rosita, the Latina Muppet and Ovejita, the other Spanish speaking Muppet. I spoke with Lesli at the recent Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, where she was eager and excited about their newest program, Peg + Cat, which premiers in September 2013. "Last year we introduced Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood." That show was "based on the philosophy of...

Canine Companions for Independence is a national nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities completely free of charge. Canine Companions serves adults and children with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities, with over 3,800 assistance dogs placed nationwide since its founding in 1975. Many of Canine Companions' clients are children with developmental challenges like autism and Down syndrome. The dogs are trained to work with children over age five, under the guidance of a facilitator (parent or caregiver). Parents value their children's assistance dogs for the social, developmental and motivational benefits they provide. First, Canine Companions assistance dogs serve as a social bridge by encouraging interaction for children who may have difficulty communicating with or being approached by others. Ellen, the mother of a young man with Fragile X Syndrome, explains, "Daniel has autistic-like traits that cause over-shyness at times. I've noticed that Assistance Dog Cheers has helped bring Daniel out of his shell. He's more confident!" Dayna, whose child is dually diagnosed with autism and Down Syndrome, agrees wholeheartedly. "Before Assistance Dog Rama, people did not really approach Micah or speak to him. Now, people ask about Rama. Micah has more confidence in public and he loves to show off his assistance dog!" These newfound social interactions also create opportunities for children to work on their speech. "At first, we gave Kailen, who has autism, scripted things to say about Assistance Dog Aqua," Kailen's mother, Lynda, says. "The words are now slowly becoming...

Nonprofit Canine Companions offers free assistance dogs to people with disabilities, aiding in social interaction and confidence.

Canine Companions Provide Four-Legged Friends

 Canine Companions for Independence is a national nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities completely free of charge. Canine Companions serves adults and children with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities, with over 3,800 assistance dogs placed nationwide since its founding in 1975. Many of Canine Companions' clients are children with developmental challenges like autism and Down syndrome. The dogs are trained to work with children over age five, under the guidance of a facilitator (parent or caregiver). Parents value their children's assistance dogs for the social, developmental and motivational benefits they provide. First, Canine Companions assistance dogs serve as a social bridge by encouraging interaction for children who may have difficulty communicating with or being approached by others. Ellen, the mother of a young man with Fragile X Syndrome, explains, "Daniel has autistic-like traits that cause over-shyness at times. I've noticed that Assistance Dog Cheers has helped bring Daniel out of his shell. He's more confident!" Dayna, whose child is dually diagnosed with autism and Down Syndrome, agrees wholeheartedly. "Before Assistance Dog Rama, people did not really approach Micah or speak to him. Now, people ask about Rama. Micah has more confidence in public and he loves to show off his assistance dog!" These newfound social interactions also create opportunities for children to work on their speech. "At first, we gave Kailen, who has autism, scripted things to say about Assistance Dog Aqua," Kailen's mother, Lynda, says. "The words are now slowly becoming...

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Special Needs
Articles

PBS KIDS is Still Going Strong

Canine Companions Provide Four-Legged Friends

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

PBS KIDS is Still Going Strong

Canine Companions Provide Four-Legged Friends

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles