Arlington, Va. - Following two months of testing, PBS on Tuesday launched "PBS Kids Play," a subscription Internet service designed to help children ages 3-6 learn through interactive games.

The service is available as a download from KidsPlay.org for $9.95 a month or $79 a year.

Games and activities feature characters such as Curious George, Mister Rogers and The Berenstain Bears, with plans to add content featuring Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends later this year.

PBS said the curriculum, based on recognized educational standards and benchmarks, includes math, science, literacy, language development, creativity, healthy development and social studies.

The service, developed in collaboration with Montreal-based technology firm Tribal Nova, also features a progress chart designed to help parents see how their children are advancing through the curriculum.

"One of the unique aspects of PBS Kids Play is that it personalizes learning, with games that adapt to the individual child," said Ben Grimley, PBS's senior director of interactive businesses.

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