Welcome to the LINC Programme website. The LINC Consortium is proud to offer two inclusive education programmes; the multi-award winning LINC Programme, and the LINC+ Programme for graduates of the Special Purpose Award. Find out more below.
The LINC Special Purpose Award is currently closed for applications. LINC+, our programme for LINC graduates is currently accepting applications for the next release of package 1, Communities of Practice in Early Learning and Care. Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to keep up to date with developments with LINC.
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.
For graduates of the LINC Programme (INCOs). Continue to learn with the LINC+ Programme.
The LINC Special Purpose Award

Become an INclusion COordinator (INCO) with the LINC Special Purpose Award
LINC is a free higher education fully online programme designed for early childhood teachers working in early learning and care, to promote the inclusion of all children. After completing the programme, graduates will carry out the role of Inclusion Coordinator.

Eligibility & Exemptions for the LINC Special Purpose Award
Settings with a pre-school room that is contracted for ECCE/TEC/CCSP can nominate an employee for LINC. The nominee must have a full Level 5 Award or higher in a relevant discipline. Some students may be eligible for exemptions from two modules.
The Role of the INclusion COordinator
Download or Print the Role of the INclusion COordinator
View or download our 2022/2023 LINC Programme brochure
2022 LINC BrochureView or download our LINC+ brochure
LINC+ BrochureLatest News and Events

Bringing Story-Telling to Life
Bringing Story-Telling to Life In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC student Louise Viti describes how story-telling in her setting has supported children's social interaction, play experiences and imagination. Think back to your own childhood...

The Outdoor Music Corridor
The Outdoor Music Corridor In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC Graduate and LINC+ Participant Wendy Tully describes how one simple idea helped to foster social interaction between the children of her setting. “Music is a moral law. It gives...

Transitions: Home to Pre-school and Pre-school to Primary School
In this edition of the LINC blog, Ann Keating O'Neill, LINC Graduate and Owner/Manager of Shining Stars Preschool Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, describes how she manages the two major transitions for children in her setting. I have always put a lot of...

The Muddy Puddle
The Muddy Puddle In this edition of the LINC Blog, setting manager Ellen Moore describes how one muddy puddle out the back of her setting became a focal point of fun for the children of her preschool. In the hustle and bustle of the early years it...
Awards and Accolades

Meet the Team

LINC 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.

Meet the 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.
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.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018, replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU Data Protection Directive. Data Protection is the means by which the privacy rights of individuals are safeguarded in relation to the processing of their personal data. The Data Protection Acts and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) confer rights on individuals as well as placing responsibilities on those persons processing personal data.
You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at linc@mic.ul.ie. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices see our Privacy and Cookies Statement.
By clicking on the “Subscribe” button opposite you are giving your consent to the LINC Programme to send you its newsletter.