Kindergarten: The Musical' Stars Reveal the 'Tiny Things' That Make Childhood Magical

Kindergarten: A Milestone for Kids and Inspiration for Disney's New Series

Kindergarten is a significant milestone for children, marking their first steps away from home and into the world of learning and socialization. Disney's latest series, Kindergarten: The Musical, captures the essence of this formative year through the story of 5-year-old Berti and her new friends.

The show's creators, Michelle Lewis and Charlton Pettus, drew inspiration from their own experiences as parents and the inherent fascination of young children. We're telling super fun stories about people we know extraordinarily well, says Lewis.

Lewis and Pettus have a long history of collaboration, having worked together as producers, songwriters, and musicians. Lewis has won two Emmy Awards and written for renowned artists like Cher and Amy Grant. Pettus has toured with Tears for Fears and worked with Hilary Duff and Selena Gomez.

Kindergarten: The Musical marks Pettus's first venture into television. It's so much better, he says. In the darkest days of pop songwriting, we were writing songs that sounded like they were about something but assiduously avoided ever actually being about something.

The series is a testament to the power of music, which serves as a unifying force. We have a song called 'I Want to Go Home' in the show, says Lewis. It's about being in school and missing home. What would seem like a tiny moment for an adult is a big moment for a little kid, and big enough for them to sing about.

Pettus adds, Why do songs make us cry? Because we recognize ourselves. It resonates. We want kids to recognize themselves, see themselves, and see that it works out, that it's all okay.

Kindergarten: The Musical is available on Disney Jr. and Disney+. Check out an exclusive clip of the song First Day below.