Disney Offers Libraries Preschool Site Free

By Geoff Duncan Published June 23, 2006

Disney Online announced today that it plans to offer public libraries free subscriptions to Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online, the company’s ad-free broadband subscription service aimed at precschoolers developing “kindergarten readiness skills.”

Subscriptions to Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online run $49.95 a year (a free trail is available); Disney Online announced the offering in January 2006.

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“We’re very pleased to be able to offer Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online free to public libraries,” said Steve Parkis, vice president of premium products, Disney Online. “We believe the public library is a perfect fit for the fun learning offered in Preschool Time Online, especially for guests who may not have easy access to a broadband connection elsewhere.”

Parkis might have added that, once hooked, at least a few of those library-using kids are to pester mommy and daddy for the fun Disney stuff at home too.

Cynicism aside, Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online has garnered some praise from education groups as well as The New York Times and USA Today and offers engaging lessons and activities designed to challenge and engage preschoolers. New content debuts every two weeks, enabling children to advance their skills at their normal paces.

And when your five year-old wipes the floor with you during a racing game, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.

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