Powered by hits such as Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Junior’s transition from a programming block to a full 24-hour channel has been marked by success worldwide. The rebrand of Playhouse Disney to Disney Junior started in February 2011, and this March it added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S., bringing the total number of services around the world to 30.

Nancy Kanter, the senior VP of original programming and general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide, has been leading the charge, extending the Disney heritage to a new generation of preschoolers. Kanter talks with World Screen about some of the elements that make for a good preschool show and what core values she looks for when introducing a new character to the Disney audience. She lets us in on some of the new faces being introduced to kids that join the stable of beloved classic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.