Disney Publishing Company launches Disney Imagicademy

Disney Publishing Worldwide, a division of Disney Consumer Products, has just released an all new learning program called Disney Imagicademy for children ages 3 to 8 combining Disney characters and stories.

The program that includes over 30 apps has companion apps for parents, books and other resource materials.    The apps and products will cover key subject matter important for early childhood development such as math, creative arts, science, language arts and social and emotional skills.

Bob Chapek, president, Disney Consumer Products shared the following comments. “For more than 80 years, Disney Publishing has created stories for children that foster a love of reading and inspire their natural curiosity. With Disney Imagicademy, we are taking the next step and offering parents a learning product unique in the marketplace today.”

Jeff Sellinger, senior vice president of Disney Learning added “Disney Imagicademy’s integrated program connects children’s apps, a parents app and physical toys to create a unique family experience that helps inspire a lifelong love of learning,” “The physical and digital worlds are coming together in nearly every industry, and with Disney Imagicademy, the learning field is no exception.

And in keeping with the incredible generosity of Walt Disney Company, the studio has donated $55 million  in apps and books to education, through First Book.    Announced at the White House Summit on Early Education, the gift to be given over a 3 year period and provides $5 million in new books and educational materials to educators and programs serving children in low-income families, and other nonprofits, as well as $50 million in books. The deal also includes $1 million in funding to First Book.

“We’ve worked hard to bring these types of learning tools to children in need, and now thanks to Disney and the strength of our network, Disney Imagicademy is accessible for free to kids in need throughout the country the same day it is available to the general public,” added Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. “Disney’s in-kind donation over the next three years is First Book’s largest gift targeting early childhood programs.”

Through First Book, the first two Disney Imagicademy apps — “Mickey’s Magical Math” iPad app and “Disney Imagicademy Parents,” companion software that helps parents track their children’s progress — will be available for teachers and educators of children from low-income families when they become available on the Apple App Store on Dec. 11.

I can’t wait to buy the Disney Imagicademy apps for my grand kids.  What a great way to learn, Disney style.

Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co, bringing you the latest Disney news.