The Rootle livestream brings free, trusted educational programming straight to your phone, tablet or computer, so learning fits into your family's schedule, wherever you are.
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10 Years of Growing, Playing and Learning with Rootle!
For 10 years, Rootle has helped North Carolina kids learn, explore and grow! From favorite PBS KIDS shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood to locally made programs celebrating our state's kids, families and educators, Rootle makes learning fun for little ones ages 2-8. Since 2016, Rootle has grown to reach more than 4.2 million North Carolina homes through its free 24/7 PBS KIDS channel, livestream, YouTube and more.
The fun doesn't stop at the screen! Rootle brings playful learning experiences to communities in all 100 North Carolina counties, helping families connect, discover and grow together.
That's a decade of learning, laughter and making brighter futures together! Explore the programs, resources and community experiences that make Rootle so special.
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Rootle on YouTube
Watch new Rootle original productions like Health Heroes and Mini Fab Science Lab on the Rootle YouTube channel, putting educational content right at your family's fingertips.
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Follow Rootle on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at community events, Discovery Corner visits, Roadster Tour stops, and the people and partners who make Rootle possible. Plus, learn everyday tips and find crafts and more activities!
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Need ideas for educational (and fun!) activities for kids ages 0-8 years old? Subscribe to our monthly Rootle newsletter.
10 Fun Facts About Rootle
Rootle launched in July 2016 as PBS North Carolina’s around-the-clock PBS KIDS service. Today, families can tune in any time of day for trusted, educational children’s programming.
Read-a-roo first appeared as a symbol of UNC-TV’s Reading Rainbow Book Club. Reading is still her favorite activity, but she also loves soccer, ballet, skateboarding and traveling across North Carolina.
Rootle reaches families across North Carolina and into South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee. That regional reach helps bring PBS KIDS programming to millions of households.
The Rootle Ambassador Program reaches all 100 counties across the state. Ambassadors help connect families with Rootle and PBS KIDS resources where they live.
The Rootle Roadster Tour has visited 19 counties and connected with more than 75,000 people. Along the way, it has worked with more than 200 community organizations to bring playful learning experiences directly to North Carolina families.
Rootle Discovery Corners are learning nooks designed to encourage family play, exploration and childhood creativity. Families can find them in community spaces across the state.
These events bring educational resources and experiences directly to children, families and communities. They extend the impact of Rootle and PBS KIDS beyond the screen.
PBS KIDS programming gives learners of all ages opportunities to explore literacy, math, science, social-emotional skills, creativity and problem-solving. PBS KIDS and Rootle also provide caregivers and educators with free, enriching media content and resources that help them prepare children for school and life.
Rootle features several original productions created for young learners and their families. They include Mini Fab Science Lab, Health Heroes and Classroom Connection.
Rootle isn’t just a TV channel. Families can also watch Rootle content online, through the PBS KIDS Video App and on YouTube.
Where to Find Rootle in Your Community
Rootle Roadster Tour
PBS North Carolina brings free, playful learning experiences and PBS KIDS resources to communities across the state through the Rootle Roadster Tour. In partnership with local organizations, each stop offers family resources and hands-on activities, including STEM experiments, literacy games, creative arts and more.
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Rootle Discovery Corners
Rootle Discovery Corners are cozy, hands-on learning spaces in libraries, health clinics and other community gathering places across North Carolina. Each Discovery Corner invites children and caregivers to watch, play, explore and learn together. Discovery Corners are currently located in 73 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, including all 41 counties in eastern North Carolina, with more locations on the way.
Rootle Ambassador Program
Launched in 2020, the Rootle Ambassador Program connects families with local education champions who bring PBS KIDS content and early-learning resources to their communities. Now serving all 100 North Carolina counties, Rootle Ambassadors have partnered with more than 330 local organizations to host over 700 learning events, reaching an estimated 111,000 families and counting.
Rootle Original Productions
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In Mini Fab Science Lab, Ava and friends team up to ask big questions, investigate STEAM concepts in the lab and hear from local experts on the science behind everyday things.
The show is designed to encourage a love for learning among young children, critical thinking and resilience.
Health Heroes
Health Heroes is game show-like educational series for kids highlights careers in public health by introducing the specialists who keep communities safe, clean and healthy.
Season 2 premieres Saturday, November 21!
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Produced by PBS North Carolina for PBS KIDS, Jamming on the Job is a multi-generational, music-inspired podcast for kids ages 4-8 and their parents and caregivers, starring Christina Sanabria and Andrés Salguero, the award-winning kids' music duo known as 123 Andrés.
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A decade of Rootle wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our funders and the dedication of our partners!
William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust
Dogwood Health Trust
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Camber Foundation
NC 529
PNC Foundation
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As a member of PBS North Carolina, you'll support meaningful local stories, empowering educational resources and engaging community experiences across our state for years to come.
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