ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2026) — For preschoolers, learning to read doesn't start with chapter books. It starts with signs, lists, labels and questions like, "What does this say?"
Beginning Monday, Feb. 2, WUCF will premiere Phoebe & Jay, a new PBS KIDS animated series debuting nationally and designed to support early literacy for children ages 3–5 through familiar, real-world moments.
The series follows fraternal twins Phoebe and Jay as they navigate daily life in their apartment building, reading signs, following instructions, solving problems and helping neighbors along the way.
Each episode introduces young viewers to the many forms of "everyday" literacy, showing how words, symbols, sounds and visuals help children understand and participate in the world around them.
Early literacy is a critical foundation for long-term academic success. In Florida, many students continue to struggle with reading proficiency in the early grades, making access to engaging, high-quality learning tools especially important. WUCF and PBS KIDS programming supports families and caregivers by reinforcing literacy skills early, before children ever step into a classroom.
"Phoebe & Jay meets kids where they are," said Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF. "It shows that reading isn't just something you do at school. It's how you figure things out, connect with others and move through your day. That's incredibly powerful for young learners and their families."
The Feb. 2 premiere follows Florida’s annual Celebrate Literacy Week, offering families another easy, accessible way to support early literacy at home through trusted PBS KIDS programming.
In addition to broadcast episodes, Phoebe & Jay is supported by digital games, videos and caregiver resources available for free in both English and Spanish through PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia. WUCF also offers On My Way to K using a whole-child approach to support caregivers' understanding of the fundamental skills needed to be ready for kindergarten.
As Central Florida's PBS station, WUCF connects trusted national PBS KIDS programming with local impact, supporting early learners, caregivers and educators through content rooted in research and community value.
Phoebe & Jay premieres Monday, Feb. 2, at 9:30 a.m. on WUCF, but you can watch a sneak peek now.
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199
