Minister Norma Foley Welcomes Opening of Applications for Award-Winning LINC Programme 2026/2027
with 630 Places Available Nationwide

Applications are now open for the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme 2026/2027, offering 630 early years educators across Ireland the opportunity to strengthen their leadership for inclusion and enhance inclusive practice within Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) settings.

Welcoming the opening of applications, Norma Foley TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, noted:

“For the last 10 years, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) has had a major impact on the lives of children and on the quality of early learning and care, by supporting access, inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities and additional needs in state-funded mainstream pre-schools.

The LINC Programme has played a key role in supporting AIM, by training Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) to provide leadership and mentoring in their own pre-school services, sharing their learning and skill set with their fellow educators to foster an inclusive culture and inclusive practices.

LINC was updated in Autumn 2025 and now includes an additional focus on inclusion under the Equal Start programme, for children who experience disadvantage. It also incorporates a particular emphasis on strengthening educator capacity to support autistic children.

I am delighted that applications for the 2026/2027 programme year are now open and would encourage educators who have not yet taken part in LINC to avail of this valuable opportunity. For those educators who have completed their LINC training, I would strongly recommend the updated CPD Programme.”

Funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), the LINC Programme is a nationwide, blended learning Level 6 Special Purpose Award. Now in its 10th year, the programme continues to play a vital role in supporting educators to lead inclusive practice, strengthen participation for all children, and embed inclusive cultures within early learning and school age childcare environments throughout Ireland.

The impact of the LINC Programme extends far beyond the individual learner. Graduates, in their roles as Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs), support and lead meaningful change within their settings, fostering inclusive environments where all children can participate, belong and thrive. In doing so, the programme contributes significantly to strengthening inclusive practice across the wider early years sector, including both ELC and SAC settings.

The LINC Programme is delivered through a flexible blended learning model, combining online learning with a series of in-person sessions held at locations nationwide. These sessions provide opportunities for students to engage with tutors and peers, share experiences and deepen their understanding of inclusive practice. For the 2026/2027 academic year, classes will take place in the following locations: Cavan (Cavan Town), Dublin (Dublin 9), Dublin (Dublin 24), Galway (Tuam), Kerry (Tralee), Tipperary (Thurles) and Wexford (Enniscorthy).

Since its establishment, the LINC Programme has supported thousands of educators nationwide and has been consistently recognised for its excellence and impact. The Programme has received multiple national awards, including Education Awards for Best Online Learning Experience, and has been recognised for innovation, student engagement and communications. It has also received a Highly Commended AONTAS STAR Award for Social Inclusion and continues to be shortlisted across a range of categories including Marketing and Communications, Research, Employability and Operational Excellence, reflecting its ongoing contribution to the sector.

Reflecting on the continued development and impact of the programme, Prof. Emer Ring, Dean of Education (Early Childhood and Teacher Education) at Mary Immaculate College, commented:

“We commenced another cycle of our LINC Programme in January last and together with our Consortium partners, Early Childhood Ireland and Maynooth University – Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education and the National Childhood Network, are looking forward to the next cycle of our LINC Level 6 Programme in the 2026/2027 academic year.

Located in the most recent research on prevention, early intervention and inclusion, the LINC Programme, through our exceptional graduates continues to make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and early learning and care settings. The programme is located in Irish curriculum and quality frameworks and influenced by a range of international theoretical perspectives including the Reggio Emilia experience.

We are very proud of our graduates, who as Inclusion Coordinators, lead best practice in creating early learning and care settings where diversity is expected, responded to and celebrated.”

Highlighting the importance of leadership in early years, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, stated:

“Leadership in Early Years is about more than managing a service; it is about inspiring teams, championing inclusion and fostering enriching environments where children feel they belong.

As applications open for the 2026/2027 LINC Programme, I encourage educators at all stages in their careers to take this opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, collaborate with peers and make a lasting impact on young children.”

Emphasising the programme’s role in supporting inclusive, rights-based practice across the sector, Michelle Harte, CEO of the National Childhood Network (NCN), noted:

“As a consortium partner in the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme, the National Childhood Network is proud to support the continued development of inclusive practice across the sector.

Building on our cross-border work in supporting early years educators to embed inclusive, rights-based approaches, we recognise the transformative impact of LINC in strengthening leadership for inclusion at setting level.

As applications open for the 2026/2027 programme, we encourage educators to engage with this unique opportunity to enhance their practice and ensure that all children, regardless of ability or background, can meaningfully participate and thrive in early childhood settings.”

From a higher education perspective, Dr Fiona Nic Fhionnlaoich, Head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, outlined the programme’s impact and its role in supporting ongoing professional development:

“The LINC programme is a highly impactful programme that supports the inclusion of all children in the early years while also responding to the ongoing need for continuous professional development in the area of inclusion.

The LINC Programme has already had thousands of graduates who are now working as Inclusion Coordinators across early years settings, making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.”

Welcoming applications for the upcoming academic year, Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, highlighted both the continued success of the programme and the opportunity it presents:

“Shaping inclusive practice across the early learning and school age childcare sector, we are delighted to open applications for our 2026/2027 cohort. Now in its 10th year, the LINC Programme continues to demonstrate its positive impact across the sector.

Graduates, in their roles as Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs), are leading and supporting the development of inclusive culture, practice and pedagogy in their settings, creating meaningful changes and improving outcomes for all children.

The LINC Programme is a multi-award-winning programme, specifically designed for those working in the sector, enabling students to apply their learning to practice in real time. We welcome applications from those working in managerial roles, as well as lead educators and early years educators working with babies, toddlers, young children and school age children.

If you want to be a part of a transformative programme, we welcome and encourage you to attend one of our information sessions and to apply for a place on the LINC Programme.”

Applications will remain open until Tuesday, May 12th at 2pm, with the programme commencing in September 2026.

Early years educators working in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) settings across Ireland are encouraged to apply. Settings may submit an application even if they already have a LINC graduate, Inclusion Coordinator (INCO), or current LINC student working in their setting.

Further information on the application process can be found here.

Helena Thompson
Marketing, Communications & Recruitment Officer, LINC Programme
T: +353 86 152 5625
E: Helena.Thompson@mic.ul.ie

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