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+ CPD Programme for graduates of LINC.

Find out more below.

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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Register for a LINC Programme General Information Session below

Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 1pm

Monday 3rd April 2023 at 7pm

The Role of the INclusion COordinator

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 2023/2024 LINC Programme brochure

2023/24 LINC Programme Brochure

View or download our LINC+ CPD brochure

LINC+ CPD Brochure

Latest News and Events

The Mud Kitchen

Mar 10, 2023

The Mud Kitchen In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC Tutor Carole Dee describes how her Setting’s Mud Kitchen encourages children's social and emotional development and provides endless opportunities for open ended, sensory play.The Mud Kitchen is without...

Minister O’Gorman commends the dedication of early years educators and encourages them to avail of the opportunity to apply for the award-winning LINC Programme.

Mar 6, 2023

Minister O’Gorman commends the dedication of early years educators and encourages them to avail of the opportunity to apply for the award-winning LINC Programme. 630 places available nationwide as LINC Programme set to open for applications The Leadership for...

Inspiring Inclusive Practice

Feb 16, 2023

Inspiring Inclusive Practice In the edition of the LINC Blog, Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) Sinead Conran reflects on how her participation in the LINC+ CPD Programme and engagement in a Community of Practice with fellow INCO’s has benefited her and her...

The pedagogy of nature: Being with and playing with nature

Aug 5, 2022

The pedagogy of nature: Being with and playing with nature In this edition of the LINC Blog, Ruksana Beigi, Senior Lecturer in the University of East london, highlights the difference between using the term "outdoors" and adopting a pedagogy of nature and how...

Thank you so much for providing this fantastic course. It has been invaluable to me personally and I have used my learning in my setting and each parent, child and staff have benefitted from this course

– Linc Graduate 2021/2022

I learned so much from participating in the CPD. I could share my learning to date with other early years educators and get new perspectives and ideas.”

– LINC+ Graduate 2021/2022

“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

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to partake in this very rewarding programme. I recall a good few years ago how I did not feel confident when a child enrolled in my setting with an additional need, I did not want to let that child or family down. Now with the skills and knowledge gained from this course, I feel more assured that I can create a warm and supportive environment for children in my care who have additional needs and for all children. Thank you for this journey.”.

– LINC Graduate 2019/2020

“Thank you I really enjoyed the LINC programme. It had been 16 years since I completed my level 5 and I was so worried I would not be able to complete the course; but the tutors were very helpful and everything was explained really well. I have grown so much since completing LINC in my profession, it has opened my eyes up to things I didn’t think were possible in the early years and I have grown in confidence as a practitioner since I completed this programme.”

– LINC Graduate 2019/2020

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.

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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.

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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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