Early Childhood Education
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. The program focuses on developing your
understanding of child development, educational psychology, and effective teaching
strategies in Literacy, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
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.
Apply Now
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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 through 4th-grade classrooms in Pennsylvania.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Bachelor's
School
Academic Department
Instruction and Leadership in Education
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
121-130
Modality
In-Person
Schedule a visit to our School of Education on select weekdays. 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.Education Info Session
Gain Hands-On Experience
"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
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.
Dual Certification
Through our Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification you can become certified in both PreK-4 and PreK-12 special education in Pennsylvania. Meet the diverse educational needs of students in multiple school settings including students with disabilities, challenging behavior and social and emotional needs.
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 supplementary student teaching abroad. Other cultural immersion opportunities are available to you as a School of Education student.
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.
The PreK-4 Classroom
- Learn to create lesson plans and educational activities that align with young children's developmental milestones and learning objectives.
- Provide a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages exploration, creativity and social interaction
- Teaching foundational skills such as language development, mathematics 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 families 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 community engagement.
- 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.
Hear from Our Students and Alumni
I want to make a difference in the lives of the children I teach by helping shape their character, supporting their overall learning and well-being and building meaningful bonds that foster academic and social development.
Once you get into the classroom and you are with the kids and you're trying different things and you're watching for that light bulb moment, it makes it all worth it...it just all makes sense, so just give it a try.
Having that early exposure to various schools and grades, coupled with invaluable insights from such wonderful professors, has truly cultivated my confidence. I feel as if I am well-prepared to make a meaningful impact!
When I talk to a student who struggles in the classroom, I tell them that they are capable of anything. Every single person learns differently, and that's okay.
My degree in the School of Education has prepared me to be a creative & effective educator who can not only ensure that her students are well prepared for the next grade at the end of the year, but love the learning journey.
What Would Life Be Like Without Teachers?
Zoe Brunick, an Early Childhood Education/PreK-4 student, asks elementary through high school students to imagine a life without teachers. The students also tell her about their favorite teachers, qualities that make a good teacher, their advice for teachers and more.
Prepare here—so you can impact anywhere.
At Duquesne University School of Education, we will prepare you to become the teacher you are meant to be.
"Not good because you wouldn't be able to...count money or read books."
Molly, Age 10
Early Start Programs - Graduate Education Degrees
Our graduate programs offer early start options for current School of Education students
and undergraduate students across the University. Contact your student success coach
to explore your options.
Our Early Start Programs
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), M.S.
- Child Psychology, M.S.Ed.
- Counseling - Clinical Mental Health, M.S.
- Counseling - Marriage, Couple & Family, M.S.
- Counseling - School, M.S.Ed.
- Early Childhood Education, PreK-4, MAT
- Education Administration, K-12, M.S.Ed.
- Educational Leadership, M.S.
- Reading and Literacy Education, M.S.Ed.
- Secondary Education (Mathematics, English, Social Studies or Science), 7-12, MAT
- Special Education, M.S.Ed.
- School Supervision, M.S.Ed.
The School of Education offers early start options for students who have demonstrated
a strong academic background (GPA > 3.0) to begin graduate work during their undergraduate
time at Duquesne University.
Other undergraduate students across the University who are in good academic standing
(GPA >3.0) and are interested in pursuing or exploring an education degree and/or
a teaching certification can begin to take courses in our graduate education programs.
Contact your student success coach to explore your options and receive guidance on
your course of study.
We welcome you to connect with us to learn more. We will guide you through the application process.
If you are a Duquesne student inside or outside of the School of Education, reach out to your student success coach who will help to connect you to the right School of Education staff and program director to explore options and requirements specific to your academic and career goals.
If you need more information or have questions, please call us at (412) 396-6093.
Learning Outcomes
- Exhibits exemplary knowledge in the content and professional areas of certification.
- Plans content-area instruction aligned to state and national standards and discipline expectations.
- Locates and uses resources, including technological resources, to plan and implement instruction.
- Plans and implements equitable instruction that attends to students’ developmental levels, diverse backgrounds and academic needs.
- Designs and uses assessment of student learning to guide improvement.
- Demonstrates characteristics of professional ethics, respect, relational trust and cultural competence in interactions with students, colleagues, families and communities.
Accreditation
CAEP accreditation nationally recognizes 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.
Explore Your Opportunities
Apply Today!
Learn about admission requirements and the application process
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.
Undergraduate Programs
Explore all of our undergraduate teaching programs
Undergraduate EducationContact Us
Michelle Gapsky
