
Join us for the International LINC Conference 2025!
Saturday, 27 September 2025 | Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Registration opens at 8:30 A.M. | Conference runs from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Tickets are now on sale. Early bird rate of €40 per person is available until July 15. Standard rate €50 thereafter.
For group bookings of four or more, please contact us directly at LINCconference@mic.ul.ie


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


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).

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.
The Role of the INclusion COordinator (INCO)
Download or Print the Role of the INclusion COordinator
Latest News and Events

Embracing the Journey: The Value of Process Over Product in Early Years
Embracing the Journey: The Value of Process Over Product in Early Years In this edition of the LINC Blog, LINC Graduate Judyta Golden shares her reflections on the importance of valuing the learning process in early years education. Drawing on her experiences...

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Realistic Well-Being Tips for Busy Days
Finding Calm in the Chaos: Realistic Well-Being Tips for Busy Days In this edition of the LINC Blog, Anne O'Leary, Certified Executive Coach, Postpartum Doula, and Baby Massage Instructor, shares simple and realistic ways to support your well-being on even the...

Putting the Pieces Together: Disability, Childhood, and the Early Years
Putting the Pieces Together: Disability, Childhood, and the Early Years In this edition of the LINC Blog, Professor Bronagh Byrne, Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights at Queen’s University Belfast, explores the intersection of childhood, disability and...

Empowering Inclusive Practice Through Continuing Professional Learning: Interim Evaluation Report Highlights Positive Impact of LINC+ CPD Programme
Empowering Inclusive Practice Through Continuing Professional Learning: Interim Evaluation Report Highlights Positive Impact of LINC+ CPD Programme New report explores how sustained professional learning and Communities of Practice are supporting Inclusion...
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.

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.
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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