Q&A: Details on Duo’s Treehouse, Duolingo’s bilingual early learning space in Larimer

Duolingo is best known for its bite-sized language lessons and bright green owl. But in Pittsburgh, the company is quietly making waves in early childhood education, thanks to an initiative called Duo’s Treehouse — a free, bilingual play-and-learn program for kids ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

Held weekly at the Kingsley Association in Larimer, Duo’s Treehouse blends joyful early learning with Spanish–English language exposure and community connection. Kidsburgh caught up with Kendra Ross, PhD, head of social impact at Duolingo, to learn more about the program.

What was the original inspiration behind Duo’s Treehouse, and how did the idea grow into the early learning program it is today?

The original inspiration for Duo’s Treehouse came from our broader commitment to early childhood education through Duolingo’s Early Learners First initiative. As we explored ways to expand access to quality learning experiences, it became clear that families with young children, especially those not enrolled in formal childcare, often lacked access to enriching, developmentally appropriate environments. That’s what sparked the idea for our Community Play & Learn pilot as a means to complement our work with childcare providers by offering free, high-quality, bilingual learning experiences to families not yet reached through formal care programs.

We envisioned a welcoming place where caregivers could build community and children could engage in joyful early learning, guided by the same thoughtful design and playful, research-informed approach that defines all of Duolingo’s learning experiences. Over time, through cross-functional planning sessions with members of our learning science, user experience research, and design teams, community feedback, and an intentional partnership with La Escuelita Arcoiris, the idea evolved into what is now Duo’s Treehouse.

Why did Duolingo choose to focus on bilingual learning for early childhood, and why English and Spanish in particular?

Research has shown us that early childhood is a critical window for language acquisition. Exposing young children to more than one language during this time can strengthen cognitive flexibility, empathy, and problem-solving skills. English and Spanish are commonly spoken languages in our region and on our platform, making them a natural focus for our programming.

As a company best known for our language-learning app, it made perfect sense to bring that expertise into the early learning space. It’s something that sets Duo’s Treehouse apart from other play-and-learn experiences. We’re doing what we know best — offering language learning in a format that’s playful and developmentally appropriate. We’ve found that families are often drawn to the bilingual aspect, especially those who already use Duolingo or are curious about exploring language learning with their children in a more interactive, community-driven setting.

How did the partnership with La Escuelita Arcoiris come about, and what role do they play in designing the programming?

The partnership with La Escuelita Arcoiris evolved from our planning for what was initially called the Community Play & Learn pilot. As we shaped the vision for Duo’s Treehouse, we knew we needed a partner with deep expertise in bilingual early childhood education and a proven commitment to culturally responsive, play-based learning. La Escuelita Arcoiris emerged as a clear choice. With over 25 years of experience delivering Spanish-immersion programming in Pittsburgh, their philosophy aligned beautifully with our goals.

From the beginning, La Escuelita played a central role in co-designing the program. Their educators shape the weekly experience — everything from the learning environment to the structure of each session — to ensure that it reflects both early childhood best practices and the joyful, bilingual spirit we envisioned. The collaboration has been essential to making Duo’s Treehouse a place where caregivers and children feel both supported and inspired.

What led Duolingo to choose Larimer and the Kingsley Association as the home for this program? What kind of relationship does the team hope to build with the neighborhood?

The Kingsley Association has been a critical community asset in the Larimer/East Liberty community for decades. Their mission, values and deep ties to the community made them an ideal partner for our implementation partner, La Escuelita Arcoiris. We wanted to be in a space that was already trusted and loved, where families feel safe, seen, and supported. Our goal through Early Learners First is to build relationships with community partners rooted in reciprocity. We’re here not just to offer programming, but to listen, collaborate and grow alongside the neighborhood. 

What does a typical Friday morning at Duo’s Treehouse look like? Are there favorite moments or memorable interactions you can share?

Each session begins with a warm and welcoming morning circle. We sing songs, introduce the day’s activities, and set gentle expectations to help caregivers and children ease into the experience. From there, families are invited to explore a variety of thoughtfully designed learning areas at their own pace. Each station includes “provocation cards” that spark meaningful interactions between caregivers and their children, with educators nearby to offer support and guidance as needed. We close each session with a goodbye circle, often featuring a beloved children’s story that incorporates Spanish vocabulary, acted out by our educators, complete with handcrafted props, costumes, and makeup. These theatrical performances have become a highlight, bringing much laughter and wonder to the room.

There are countless special moments each week. One that stands out is when local firefighters visited: The children climbed into the truck, explored the equipment, and took turns using the hose. Their faces lit up with pure joy. It’s also precious to see our youngest participants in the designated infant area, where caregivers of babies just a few months old connect and share in this sacred stage of life. And over time, we’ve had the joy of getting to know entire families. Sometimes a mother will bring her child one week, then the next week we’ll meet the father, and later the grandparents; It’s incredibly moving to witness how deeply families value this space and make it part of their collective routine.

What kind of impact have you seen on families who participate, whether in terms of early learning, community connection or caregiver support?

The impact has been both heartwarming and meaningful. Families have shared that Duo’s Treehouse isn’t just fun. It’s a space where they feel empowered to engage more deeply in their child’s learning. We’ve seen children who come regularly blossom — from taking their first steps, to picking up new Spanish vocabulary and songs, to expressing themselves more clearly and becoming more confident in group settings. Caregivers tell us they’re using songs and activities at home, and that these small moments are creating lasting bonds. It’s a reminder that early learning is just as much about relationships as it is about curriculum.

What are the longer-term goals for this initiative? Are there plans to expand it to other parts of Pittsburgh or beyond?

We view Duo’s Treehouse as a powerful model for what’s possible when cross-sector partners come together to share their expertise and resources, offering high-quality experiences for the community. Our goal is to strengthen our partnerships with community organizations that can help us enhance the program and provide additional resources and experiences for our families. Ultimately, our goal with all our Early Learners First initiatives is to ensure that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to high-quality early learning experiences. Whether that means offering more Treehouse experiences or broader support for local childcare providers, we’re committed to expanding our impact thoughtfully and sustainably.

What would you say to Pittsburgh families who are just learning about Duo’s Treehouse and wondering if it is the right fit for them?

If you’re a caregiver looking for a joyful, inclusive space to learn and play with your little one, we warmly welcome you to Duo’s Treehouse. Our sessions are designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, and are entirely free. Whether you’re looking to introduce your child to Spanish in a playful environment, connect with community resources, or spend quality time learning together, we’d love for you to join us.