Photo by Nancy Royden. MiKayla “Miki” Kelley, 3, of District Heights.

Published on: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

By Nancy Royden

With a sweet, bright smile, MiKayla “Miki” Kelley, can be a real charmer. It’s that cute grin that caught the attention of the folks at the network Sprout, a 24-hour preschool network for 2- to 5-year-old children. Her cheery image is scheduled to be shown May 21 between 11 a.m. and noon on Channel 128 during the PICME episode called, “Do Not Disturb.”

Alissa McDaniel, Miki’s mother, said she loves the shows on Sprout, and she is happy her daughter was selected to appear on television.

“We were so excited to be chosen for the “Do Not Disturb” episode,” she said.

Miki’s mother used software called Head-hunter, PICME’s 2-D Flash animation to allow her to superimpose a digital image of her daughter onto an animated body, said Barbara Murphy, spokeswoman for Sprout’s public relations agency of record, Fish With Feet.

PICME puts children directly into the story alongside animals Juno, Gerty, Banjo, Umi, Clarence and Neville.

McDaniel is happy about her daughter’s big chance to be seen on television, but on a routine basis, they enjoy the programs on Sprout.

“It is Miki’s favorite show (PICME), with Angelina Ballerina and Nadia. It’s always about a theme and we like that. The themes help with learning,” McDaniel said. “They do a little bit of everything. She relies on it. She says, ‘I want my Sprout.’ ’’

Murphy said Sprout features more “active” programming during the day and it winds down during the night.

“It’s all about interacting with the parents. They can make a craft together,” she said.

According to Sprout’s Web site, its lineup combines trusted shows, along with new and innovative originals.

“We follow the day of a preschooler from breakfast to bedtime, with daytime programming designed to get children moving and active and evening programming to help the family gently unwind at the end of the day,” according to Sprout’s Web site.

Sprout is also Miki’s favorite network because it is available all the time.

“I love it because it’s 24 hours. I love it because my daughter is a night owl. It helps foster her learning and development. It helps put her on track with her learning. I love the network,” McDaniel said.

For more information, visit www.sproutonline.com.