PHOTO BY TOM O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

East Liberty-based Duolingo is taking early childhood education to new heights.

The world’s leading mobile learning platform opened Duo’s Treehouse, a free, bilingual (Spanish and English) space designed for kids aged 5 and under. Located in The Kingsley Association building in Larimer, near the company’s headquarters, it’s open on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to provide inclusive play, programming and support for local families.

PHOTO BY TOM O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

“The first five years of a child’s life are so important for building a strong foundation for lifelong success, and we recognize that access to quality, early learning experiences is a challenge for many families in our community,” says Kendra Ross, Duolingo’s head of social impact. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality education and we’re committed to being good neighbors, removing barriers and creating opportunities for all families.”

Developed in collaboration with La Escuelita Arcoiris, a nature-based, Spanish immersion preschool in Squirrel Hill, the center offers experiences that support cognitive and linguistic growth. (Speaking of growth, Duolingo — now valued at $16 billion — also has an excellent restaurant in East Liberty called Duo’s Taqueria!)

PHOTO BY TOM O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

During a grand opening celebration on March 21 attended by local legislators, business leaders and community members, speakers shared a petition urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fix the Commonwealth’s childcare staffing crisis by including at least $55 million in new and recurring funding in the 2025-2026 state budget to implement a child care teacher recruitment and retention initiative.

According to the nonprofit organization Start Strong PA, childcare wages are so low that they fail to meet the cost of living in every county and there are currently more than 3,000 open positions.

Duo’s Treehouse is the latest initiative under Early Learners First, Duolingo’s social impact program that invests $1 million annually to enhance access to high-quality, affordable childcare and early education in Pittsburgh. Area childcare providers are empowered through grants and business coaching to help stabilize their operations and compensate their employees.

So, why does Duo — a loveable cartoon owl who famously flew the coop in February only to return this month — give a hoot?

The answer is simple — the future.

Investing in early childhood education makes smart business sense. The folks at Duolingo hope other corporations — especially ones that also have the power to drive systemic change — will do the same. The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission offers a guide to help employers through the process.

“We want to be a shining example,” Ross says. “If Duo gets people in the door — so be it.”