A Decade of Inclusion: Leadership for INClusion (LINC) Programme Celebrates 10 Years

Pictured : Current and former members of the LINC team pictured together to mark 10 years of the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) Programme.

From its first cohort in 2016 to a community of more than 6,500 graduates across Ireland today, the Leadership for INClusion (LINC) Programme is marking 10 years of supporting educators to lead inclusion within Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) settings.

The LINC Programme is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award designed to support the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care. Graduates are qualified to perform the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their setting, with the Programme supporting educators to develop their knowledge and practice across inclusive culture, inclusive practice and inclusive pedagogy.

The Programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and delivered by the LINC Programme Consortium, led by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in partnership with Early Childhood Ireland, Maynooth University – Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, and National Childhood Network.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Professor Dermot Nestor, President of Mary Immaculate College, commented:

“Mary Immaculate College is proud to be the lead consortium for the LINC Programme and to celebrate 10 years of the programme. The LINC Programme has contributed positively to inclusive practice in Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare across Ireland, with more than 6,500 graduates to date. Over the past decade, the Programme has become a nationally recognised example of the impact that collaboration between higher education, government and the sector can achieve. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on that success, to acknowledge the commitment of everyone who has contributed to the programme, and to look forward with confidence to its continued impact in the years ahead.”

Early Childhood Ireland has been a member of the LINC Programme Consortium since its inception. Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland and Chairperson of the LINC Steering Group, commented:

“Early Childhood Ireland is proud to have been a founding member of the Leadership for INClusion in Early Years Programme from its inception and, as Chairperson of the Steering Group, I am honoured to see LINC still putting inclusion at the heart of the early years system every day. By developing and supporting inclusive leaders, LINC is helping build an Early Years system where every child has an opportunity to thrive. Congratulations on 10 years, and here’s to continuing to work together on this important mission.”

Dr Fiona Nic Fhionnlaoich, Head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, reflected on the importance of continued professional learning in supporting inclusion:

“The 10th anniversary of the LINC Programme is an important opportunity to recognise the value of sustained, high-quality professional learning in supporting inclusion across the early years sector. Over the past decade, LINC has supported educators to deepen their understanding of inclusion and to translate that learning into their everyday work with children, colleagues and families. As our understanding of inclusion continues to evolve, so too does the need to provide educators with opportunities to develop their knowledge and practice. LINC’s continued commitment to professional learning has an important role to play in supporting educators to respond to that evolving landscape and in helping to create more equitable and inclusive early learning environments for all children.”

Michelle Harte, CEO of National Childhood Network (NCN), highlighted the Programme’s contribution to the sector:

“As the LINC Programme celebrates its tenth anniversary, National Childhood Network is proud to recognise its remarkable contribution to building a more inclusive early years sector. Over the past decade, LINC has empowered thousands of educators with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to ensure that every child is welcomed, valued and supported to participate fully in their setting. Its impact extends far beyond professional development: it has strengthened inclusive practice, influenced organisational culture and helped embed equality and belonging at the heart of children’s earliest experiences. As a member of the LINC Consortium, NCN are proud to mark this milestone and we look forward to building on this strong legacy, continuing to advance meaningful inclusion for every child, family and community.”

The experiences of those who have completed LINC offer another perspective on how learning from the Programme translates into everyday practice. One LINC graduate shared:

“I really enjoyed being part of the LINC Programme. It changed how I see the world and helped me to understand and respond better to the children’s needs. It also helped me feel more confident to look at our daily practice and make small changes that can make a big difference for the children.”

The LINC community also has opportunities to continue its professional learning through the LINC+ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme. Open exclusively to LINC graduates, LINC+ CPD is fully funded and delivered online, with flexible, self-paced learning focused on inclusive leadership, professional collaboration and practices that support the participation and wellbeing of all children.

One LINC+ CPD participant described their experience:

“The self-paced mode of learning was a huge advantage for me as it allowed me to complete the LINC+ CPD modules when my personal circumstances permitted. The content of the modules is superb, and they have been incredibly relevant to the needs and experiences of my workplace.”

Research and evaluation have informed the Programme throughout its development. Having been involved with the LINC Programme since its establishment in 2016, Professor Emer Ring, former Dean of Education, Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College, reflected:

“This significant milestone for the LINC programme is testimony to the leadership, innovation and commitment to inclusion that have been the hallmark of everyone involved with the programme from the outset. It has been my privilege to have been involved with the LINC Programme from its beginnings in 2016 to the present day. From the copious research we continue to engage in to ensure we maintain our commitment to excellence in professional learning, we know that the LINC programme has transformed professional practice, supported our early childhood teachers and made a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and the broader society. I know that in the decade ahead, LINC will continue to grow from strength to strength and bring even greater achievements, accolades and impact. Comhghairdeas LINC ag an deichiú bliain agus breithlá sona!”

As LINC enters its second decade, Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, paid tribute to those who have contributed to the Programme and looked ahead to its future:

“As National Coordinator, it is a privilege to be leading the LINC Programme as we celebrate its 10th year. This September, we will welcome our 11th cohort of LINC students as they begin their journey towards becoming Inclusion Coordinators; who are joining a community of more than 6,500 LINC graduates since the programme began in 2016. Over the past decade, LINC has played an important role in shaping and strengthening inclusive culture, practice and pedagogy across the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare sectors. At the heart of LINC has always been a shared belief that every child should feel welcomed, valued and included. It is incredibly rewarding to see the commitment of our students, graduates, tutors and the wider sector bring that belief to life every day. I am also very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated LINC team, past and present, whose commitment, expertise and genuine passion for inclusion have been central to the programme’s success. As we mark this milestone, I am incredibly grateful for all that the LINC community has achieved together, and excited about the next chapter and the continued impact our Inclusion Coordinators will have for children, families and communities across Ireland.”

To celebrate the milestone, the LINC Programme will host its 10th Birthday Celebration online on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 7pm.

The event will feature a welcome from Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, reflections from Claire Butterly, and a keynote address from Professor Deborah Robinson of the University of Strathclyde. A fireside chat with LINC graduates will also provide an opportunity to hear directly from educators about their experiences.

The event is free and open to all, bringing together LINC students and graduates, LINC+ CPD participants, managers, educators and members of the wider Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare community.

Registration for the LINC Programme 10th Birthday Celebration is now open. Register here.

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

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