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.
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 find out more here. The LINC Level 6 Programme is currently closed for applications. 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

The pedagogy of nature: Being with and playing with nature
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...

Creating a toddler activity wall
Creating a toddler activity wall In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC+ participant and Inclusion Coordinator Puddle Lane Crèche Eileen Byrne, describes how an unused area of the garden was transformed using some day-to-day items into a space for playful...

Examining communities of practice
Examining Communities of Practice In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC+ Tutor Claire Butterly examines the reasons for, and benefits of communities of practice as the first package of the LINC+ Programme Communities of Practice in Early Learning and Care is...

Embracing partnership with those in our community
Embracing partnership with those in our community In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC Tutor Clare O'Shea describes how embracing partnership and friendships in the community can be a wonderful way to give children a wide variety of experiences. ...
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.
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