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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.
Learn from experienced faculty, in a highly accredited program
Our Early Childhood Education program is guided by Pennsylvania's state standards and by standards of national professional organizations. In addition to the School of Education's national recognition by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), as a point of distinction, this Leading Teacher Program earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Special Education Dual Certification
Our Leading Teacher Dual Certification Program allows undergraduate students to become certified in both the general and special education in the state of Pennsylvania. We will prepare you in your desired certification area (preK-4, middle level or secondary) to meet the diverse educational needs of students in multiple school settings including students with disabilities, challenging behavior, and social and emotional needs. Learn more about the Dual Certification in General and Special Education program.
Expand Your Horizons
Gain diverse classroom and field experience
Our Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, PreK-4 program is a 131-credit program that consists of courses and experiences organized into three major areas of study: University Core/General Education, Foundations of Education and Professional Preparation.
During your first two years of study, not only will you complete the majority of the General Education and Foundation courses, but you will also gain experience in the field starting in your freshman year. The faculty work with you to address professional standards in each of the early childhood curriculum areas through course projects and through implementation of the standards in fieldwork.
Student teaching — here or abroad
Toward the end of your studies, you will have the opportunity to teach in an urban, suburban or rural school. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to experience a part of your student teaching abroad. As a partner university, Duquesne University students have the opportunity to be placed by IU Global Gateway in an overseas student teaching experience in one of 18 countries. Participating countries include, but are not limited to, Australia, Costa Rica, England, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and Tanzania.
Get a jump start on your graduate studies
Along with gaining experience in the classroom, starting in your Junior year, qualified students may begin graduate course work through our 5-Year Early Start Graduate Programs.