Blended Model of Delivery
Fully Funded by the DCDE and Free to Participate
Extra Capitation for Settings
Applications for the 2025/2026 LINC Programme are now open
Programme Overview
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years programme is designed to support the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Childcare. The course is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) for educators working within Early Learning and Care settings. Graduates of the LINC Programme will be qualified to perform the role of Inclusion Coordinator within their Early Learning and Care Setting and will also be recognised for Lead Educator Status under the DCDE Qualification Guidelines.
The development of the programme is part of a government response to local, national and international demands for high quality education and training leading towards graduate pathways in the combined field of early childhood care and education (ECCE). The programme seeks to address the need for continuing professional development (CPD) in relation to the inclusion of all children.
Register for an Online Information Session Below
Need to Know
Blended Learning
The programme is based on a blended model of delivery addressing the learning requirements and needs of our students. The programme consists of six modules delivered over Spring/Summer semesters. Each module will consist of 3 recorded lessons each week which students can listen to at any time, a weekly online tutorial, and one in person Saturday class per module. Students should have access to a reliable internet connection and desktop/laptop computer in order to complete the programme.
LINC 2025/2026 will commence in January 2026 and conclude in July 2026.
Multi-Award Winning Programme
The LINC Programme has been the recipient of awards for excellence in education five times, having been shortlisted for 16 awards in total.
- In 2017, it was awarded an Education Award in the Best Online Learning Experience Category.
- In 2018, it received the prestigious Jennifer Burke Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
- In 2019, it was awarded an Education Award for Student Communication and Engagement.
- In 2020, it was once again voted the Best Online Learning Experience at the Education Awards.
- In 2022, it received a Highly Commended Award from Aontas for its work in the area of social inclusion.
- In 2023, it was once again been shortlisted in the Best Online Learning Experience at the Education Awards.
- In 2024, it was shortlisted in the Best Marketing and Communications Team, Best Online Learning Experience and Best Research Project at the Education Awards.
- In 2025, it was shortlisted in the Best Marketing and Communications Team, Best Online Learning Experience and Best Research Project at the Education Awards.
Programme Structure
The LINC Programme which is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award comprises of 6 modules delivered over 2 semesters (Spring and Summer) and amounting to 60 credits (ECTS). The programme is based on a blended model of delivery addressing the learning requirements and needs of our students. Each module will consist of 3 recorded lessons each week which students can listen to at any time, a weekly online tutorial, and one in person Saturday class per module, in one of the following locations: Westmeath, Cork, Dublin City, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo.
Students will engage in a mentoring visit in their ELC setting with their Tutor. The purpose of the mentoring visit is to support the student in applying the concepts and theories from LINC to their practice through exploring inclusive culture, inclusive practice and inclusive pedagogy.
Assessments include: written assignments and multiple-choice quizzes. Assessments will focus on linking practical knowledge of working in your setting to the LINC module content.
The programme is embedded in Aistear – the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, and Siolta – the National Quality Framework.
| Module Title (credits) | Semester | Module Outline |
| Inclusion in Early Years Settings: Concepts and Strategies (12 ECTS) | Spring | View Here |
| Child Development (6 ECTS) | Spring | View Here |
| Promoting Collaborative Practice for Inclusion in Early Childhood Care and Education (12 ECTS) | Spring/Summer | View Here |
| Curriculum for Inclusion (6 ECTS) | Summer | View Here |
| Leadership for Inclusion (12 ECTS) | Summer | View Here |
| Portfolio Module (12 ECTS) | Spring/Summer | View Here |
How is the LINC Programme delivered?
“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.
I found what I learned very useful, not just in my work but in my everyday life too. I’m very thankful to my tutor for her kindness, knowledge and constant support throughout the course.”
– LINC Graduate 2024/25
How is the programme delivered:
The programme is based on a blended model of delivery, addressing the learning requirements and needs of our students. Each module will consist of 3 recorded lessons each week which you can listen to at any time, a weekly online tutorial, and one in person Saturday Class per module. An online orientation session will be provided to introduce students to the LINC Programme.
Students will participate in synchronous/asynchronous online activities and discussions, which fosters autonomous and collaborative learning:
- Asynchronous online learning – this is designed to enable students to log onto the e-learning platform at any time that suits them, taking account of their work, family and other commitments. This learning will include online lectures and learning activities which students should complete each week at a time that suits them.
- There will also be synchronous online learning involving participation in online tutorials which will require students and tutors to be online at the same time. This element of learning enables students to engage in discussions, ask questions and seek clarification in real time.
Further Training and Education
Early Childhood Ireland, Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Maynooth University (MU) and the National Childhood Network (NCN) are actively committed to research in the area of early years education and special education. MIC and MU-Froebel Dept. are in a position to facilitate students to progress on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) through entry into higher education early childhood care and education (ECCE) programmes at Levels 7 and 8 on the NFQ.
In order to assist graduates progress to further education, a document detailing the credit structure of the LINC Programme has been published. This document explores the differences between Further Education & Training (FET) Credits and European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, and explains the nature of the workload completed by LINC Graduates. Download the document here.