Welcome to the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme website

The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Consortium is proud to offer two inclusive education programmes: the multi-award winning LINC Programme, and the LINC+ CPD Programme for LINC graduates.

The LINC Consortium Offers Two Inclusive Education Programmes

For people working in the Early Years in Ireland. Become an INclusion COordinator (INCO) with the LINC Programme.

LINC

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For graduates of the LINC Programme (INCOs). Continue to learn with the LINC+ CPD Programme.

LINC+

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The LINC Programme

Become an Inclusion CoOrdinator (INCO) with the LINC Programme

The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years programme, LINC, is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award (Higher Education). The programme is designed to enhance the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings through the development of the role of Inclusion CoOrdinator (INCO).

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Eligibility & Exemptions for the LINC Programme

Settings with a pre-school room that is contracted for ECCE/TEC/CCSP can nominate an employee for LINC. Applicants must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in accordance with the DCEDIY’s Early Years Recognised Qualification Listing. Some students may be eligible for exemptions from two modules.

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The Role of the INclusion COordinator (INCO)

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Download or Print the Role of the INclusion COordinator

English Version

Irish Version

View or Download Our 2024/2025 LINC Programme Brochure

2024/25 LINC Programme Brochure

View or Download our LINC+ CPD Brochure

LINC+ CPD Brochure

Latest News and Events

The Importance of Mentoring

Oct 30, 2024

The Importance of Mentoring In this edition of the LINC Blog, Phil O’Brien, Assistant LINC Tutor, explores the transformative role of mentoring in fostering students’ personal and professional growth. Phil shares her approach to mentoring, focusing on creating...

Minister O’Gorman Praises 537 Inclusion Coordinators for Their Commitment to Leading Inclusive Practice at the 2024 LINC Graduation Ceremony

Oct 21, 2024

Minister O'Gorman Praises 537 Inclusion Coordinators for Their Commitment to Leading Inclusive Practice at the 2024 LINC Graduation CeremonyPhoto: Melisa Byrne (Co. Galway) and Maria Clancy (Co. Kerry) pictured as they graduated from the LINC Programme. A sense...

Sustainable Education In The Early Years

Sep 25, 2024

Sustainable Education in the Early Years In this edition of the LINC Blog, Siobhán Browne, LINC+ CPD Programme Participant and Manager at Jigsaw Day Nursery, discusses how she incorporates sustainable education into daily practices at her setting. She explains how...

The Importance of Playful Experiences in the Early Years

Sep 19, 2024

The Importance of Playful Experiences in the Early Years In this edition of the LINC Blog, Fiona Kirkland, Play Pedagogy Officer at Play Scotland, emphasises the transformative impact of play on early childhood development. Drawing from her extensive...

“LINC was an amazing experience for me. The confidence and knowledge I got from the course was excellent. As a teacher I can see that my way of teaching and seeing the image of the child has changed. The relationships with colleagues, parents and the children has improved…I didn’t think I would enjoy returning to education as much as I did, it has left me with the desire to keep on educating myself…It brought the best out of me so now I facilitate each child reaching their full potential and giving them confidence”

– LINC Graduate 2022/2023

“The course is very well planned out. Content is very well put together and informative. Most engaging course I have taken part in.”

– LINC Graduate 2022/2023

“The modules were very well put together, there was a great flow to the content and the additional reading was very informative and the inclusion of range of media was very engaging.”

– LINC+ Participant 2022

“I was feeling nervous prior to starting this course. From day one I was made to feel like I belong, and my tutor was excellent. I highly recommend this course, and would tell my friends to go for it too, as it’s very achievable, and the tutors and the quality of the lessons and tutorials is so high.”

– LINC Graduate 2022/2023

“I love how the LINC+ CPD Programme is delivered. It has developed my confidence immensely in my role as Inclusion Coordinator. Every time I complete a unit, I’m amazed at how much I learn.”

– LINC+ Participant 2023

Awards and Accolades

Meet the Team

LINC Programme Consortium

LINC is being offered by a consortium, led by Mary Immaculate College, and including Early Childhood Ireland and Maynooth University – The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.

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Meet the LINC Team

The LINC programme team is responsible for implementing LINC. It includes a National Director, Support Team, ICT Support, Educational Technologist and the Tutors that deliver the programme.

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Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up to this newsletter you will receive information about:

Updates on progression routes and CPD courses.
Useful tips on best practices within early years’ settings.
News about conference and events that LINC maybe involved with.
Stories about LINC graduates working within the field.
Early Years Sector news and policy updates.

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