PBS Kids Preschool Block facts for kids

The PBS Kids Preschool Block was a special group of TV shows on PBS Kids. It was made for young children, like preschoolers. This block of shows started on September 4, 2006, with the show Curious George. You could usually watch it on weekdays at 8:00 AM. The block ended in 2013 when PBS Kids updated its look and shows.

Meet the Characters of PBS Kids Preschool

The PBS Kids Preschool Block featured several fun characters. Some were real people, and others were animated. They helped kids learn and have fun!

Live-Action Teachers and Musicians

• Miss Rosa: Miss Rosa was a PBS Kids preschool teacher. She taught kids through games and activities. She also used some Spanish words in her lessons. Jennifer Pena, an actress and teacher, played Miss Rosa. She wore a purple dress and a purple headband.
• Mr. Steve/SteveSongs: Mr. Steve led "Music Time with SteveSongs." He played songs on his guitar that matched the day's lesson. Kids could sing along and even do some dances. Steve Roslonek, a professional musician, played Mr. Steve.
• Miss Lori: Miss Lori was another PBS Kids preschool teacher. She was the first real-life host for the block. She led lessons, sang, and played games with children. Lori Holton Nash, an actress and educator, played Miss Lori. She wore a purple shirt and had curly black hair. Miss Lori left the show in 2009.

Animated Friends

• Hooper: Hooper is a computer-animated Guinea pig. He wears yellow glasses and goes to the PBS Kids preschool. Hooper appeared throughout the shows and in his own segments called "Adventures with Hooper." Max Marko, who was a middle school student at the time, was the voice of Hooper.
• Dash: Dash is an animated boy from the PBS Kids logo. He has spiky black hair and wears a white shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes. Dash hosted games like Dash's Secret Treasure and Dash's Dance Party. He was later replaced by a new character named Del in 2013.
• Dot: Dot is an animated girl from the PBS Kids logo. She joined the block in 2007. Dot was featured in Dot's Story Factory, where kids could create stories online. She has black hair and wears a pink and white striped shirt. In 2013, her look was updated.
• Dee: Dee is an animated girl who loves to skate. She is the twin sister of Del.
• Del: Del is an animated boy with a raccoon tail. He is the twin brother of Dee. Del replaced Dash in the 2013 PBS Kids update.

A Look Back at the Block's Seasons

The PBS Kids Preschool Block changed over the years. New shows and characters joined in different seasons.

Season 1: The Beginning (2006)

The first season started on September 4, 2006. It featured Miss Lori, Hooper, and Dash. The shows included Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and It's a Big Big World. Miss Lori and Hooper often worked together to solve a problem related to the day's lesson. After Clifford, there was a short dance and song. Dash also showed viewers how to play games on the PBS Kids website.

Season 2: New Faces and Stories (2007)

Season 2 began on September 3, 2007. This season introduced Dot to the character lineup. Dragon Tales moved to a different time, and Super Why! joined the block, replacing It's a Big Big World. Dot hosted Dot's Story Factory, showing stories made by kids online. Miss Lori and Hooper continued to teach basic skills like reading, counting, and music. Dash's Game of the Day also continued.

Season 3: Music and More Languages (2008)

Season 3 started on May 19, 2008. It brought two new live-action characters: Miss Rosa and Mr. Steve. Miss Rosa led segments that included Spanish language and other lessons. Mr. Steve hosted "Music Time." Miss Lori was still seen but less often. Dash's Secret Treasure, a matching game, replaced Dash's Game of the Day.

Season 4: Science Joins the Fun (2008)

On September 1, 2008, Season 4 began. Sid the Science Kid premiered, which meant Clifford the Big Red Dog moved to a different time. Dragon Tales was no longer part of the block. Dot's Story Factory was shown more often. This was the last season that Miss Lori appeared.

Season 5: New Adventures and HD (2009)

Season 5 started on September 7, 2009. Clifford the Big Red Dog was replaced by Dinosaur Train. A new segment called Dash's Dance Party encouraged kids to be active. Miss Rosa, Mr. Steve, and Hooper continued to be featured. Miss Rosa fully replaced Miss Lori. From this season on, most of the block was shown in high-definition (HD).

Season 6: A Cat in a Hat (2010)

Season 6 began on September 6, 2010. On this date, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That premiered. It took the place of Sid the Science Kid.

The End of the Block (2013)

On October 7, 2013, the show Peg + Cat premiered. At the same time, PBS Kids updated its entire brand. Because of this big change, the PBS Kids Preschool Block was officially stopped. However, you might still see short segments with Miss Rosa and SteveSongs before or after some PBS Kids shows today.

Fun Activities and Segments

During commercial breaks or before shows, the PBS Kids Preschool Block had short activities. These activities often featured Hooper or other characters. They helped kids learn about reading, numbers, art, movement, music, and health.

Past Activities

• Dash's Game of the Day (2006-2007)
• Dash's Secret Treasure (2007-2020)
• Dot's Story Factory (2008-2013)
• Dash's Dance Party (2009-2020)
• Adventures with Hooper (2010-2013)
• Coach Hooper (2010-2020)
• PBS Kids Field Trip (2010-2020)
• Where in the World is Hooper? (2010-2020)

Current Activities (Still Seen Sometimes)

• Music Time with SteveSongs (2008-present)
• DJ Hooper/PBS Kids Rocks! (2010-present)
• PBS Kids Spotlight (2016-present)
• You Can Be Anything! (2016-present)
• PBS Kids Activity Challenge (2018-present)
• You, Me, and Community (2019-present)
• Get Moving! (2020-present)

Shows That Aired on the Block

Here are the main TV shows that were part of the PBS Kids Preschool Block: