Early Childhood Education

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As an aspiring Early Childhood teacher, you will play an important role in shaping the minds and hearts of the youngest learners by inspiring curiosity, instilling a love for learning, and promoting inclusivity and understanding.

Our Leading Teacher Program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in preschool and elementary classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many other states. The program focuses on developing your understanding of child development, educational psychology, and effective teaching strategies to support young children.  

Our dedicated faculty are committed to providing personalized support and mentorship to help you succeed academically and professionally. Additionally, our strong network of alumni and partnerships with local schools and organizations offer valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and gaining real-world teaching experience. 

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Program Information

Our Leading Teacher Program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed to prepare you to be a leading teacher in preschool and elementary classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many other states.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

School

School of Education

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

131

Education Info Session

Schedule a visit to our School of Education on select weekdays at 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. During your visit, you'll learn more about our undergraduate leading teacher program and explore our Curriculum Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please contact Michelle Gapsky at (412) 396-5193 or at gapskym@duq.edu.

Schedule your visit

Gain Hands-On Experience

As a student in our program, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable PreK- 12 classroom experience starting your first year. Through over 200 hours of fieldwork in diverse school settings, you will have the chance to observe and participate in PreK-12 classrooms in one of our 75+ partner schools before student teaching.

B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education PreK-4 alum Julia Arlia in graduate attire outside on campus in front of a fountain holding cap that reads the world is my classroom.
"Through many different field experiences and student teaching, I gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in the classroom that allowed me to apply the tools I had developed in impactful ways. Duquesne University has been my home for the past four years, and I will forever be grateful for everything the School of Education has provided me!"  

- Julia Arlia | B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education '24
Student teacher with prek students engaging in science activity with magnifying glass and plastic animal figurine

Field Experience & Student Teaching

Great Education, Great Value

We are committed to providing students with a high-quality education at an affordable price. A Duquesne University education is an investment in your future. This investment will prepare you to reach the height of your career and provide a meaningful return on your investment.

Admission & Aid

Up to $10KEducators of Impact Scholarship

Apply for the Educators of Impact Scholarship that ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.

Apply for this Scholarship
Two undergradaute dual certification in special education students discussing lesson at curriculum center table in library.

Dual Certification

Through our Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification you can become certified in both PreK-4 and special education in Pennsylvania. Meet the diverse educational needs of PreK-4 students in multiple school settings including students with disabilities, challenging behavior and social and emotional needs.

Learn more

50%Towards Tuition

Our 50% Tuition Scholarship is offered to full-time, first-year and transfer undergraduate School of Education students who start their studies in 2024.

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Student Teach Abroad

We are the only school in Pittsburgh to have a partnership with Indiana University’s Global Gateway for Teachers Program, in which we offer various student teaching abroad and other cultural immersion opportunities.

Expand Your Horizons

75+School Districts

We work with over 75 school districts in the Greater Pittsburgh Region

Learn about Student Teaching
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Curriculum Center

Transform the learning and developmental experiences of K-12 learners through the resources in our Curriculum Center – a collection of PreK-12 educational resources designed for our campus community that works with children.

Explore resources

The PreK-4 Classroom

  • Learn to create lesson plans and educational activities that align with young children's developmental milestones and learning objectives and how to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and social interaction.
  • Provide a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and social interaction 
  • Teaching foundational skills such as language development, pre-math concepts, and social skills through interactive and play-based methods 
  • Monitor and assess each child's progress to identify strengths and areas for improvement. 
  • Collaborate with parents and caregivers to support children's learning and development at home. 
  • Foster a love for learning by instilling curiosity and a positive attitude towards education. 
  • Promote inclusivity and understanding. 
  • Manage classroom behavior and address any social or emotional challenges that may arise. 
  • Create a safe and stimulating learning environment that promotes physical, emotional, and cognitive development. 
  • Model positive behavior and encourage positive social interactions among the children. 

Early Start Programs - Graduate Degrees

Our graduate programs offer early start options for School of Education undergraduate students, as well as all undergraduate students across the University. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in a master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate. 

School of Education undergrad students can start graduate studies in:

Undergrad students across the University can start graduate studies in:

Hear from Our Students and Alumni

CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation logo

Learn from experienced faculty in our accredited program

CAEP accreditation nationally recognizes program quality in educator preparation. This signifies that our students are well equipped to meet the needs of PreK-12 students as well as their communities and schools. We are proud to be one of the select institutions in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation.

Explore Your Opportunities 

 
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Apply Today!

Learn about admission requirements and the application process

Admission & Aid
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Admitted Students

Take the next step to become the teacher you are meant to be! Visit us on campus, complete your financial aid forms and enroll today.

Student teacher engaging in lesson with prek4 student with animal figurines at desk

Undergraduate Programs

Explore all of our undergraduate teaching programs

Explore Our Programs

Contact Us

Undergraduate Education

Book a Visit

Michelle Gapsky

Director of Enrollment and Engagement

Headshot of Michelle Gapsky