What do I need to apply?

You will need the following information in order to complete an application on behalf of your setting:

• Step 1: Please Click on the Green “Register” Button.  You will be asked to create an Account by entering your Forename, Surname, Date of Birth, Setting/Pobal Number (in the format YYCC0000, for example 25MO1234, where 25 is the year and MO represents Mayo), Email Address and Password. Then click continue.

• Step 2: You will need to select the programme you are applying for which is “Certificate in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINCEYUPB). Then click continue.
• Step 3: You will then be brought to my application tasks where you will be asked to enter your personal details (name, mobile number, home address, personal email address, PPS number, date of birth, previous UL/MIC Student ID Number if applicable.
• Step 4: You will be asked to submit your highest relevant early childhood education and care qualification and the name of the last education institute attended. This needs to be uploaded in either a PDF, jpeg or jpg file format.  
• Step 5: You will be asked if your setting employs a staff member who is a graduate of the LINC Programme. 
• Step 6: Once you have completed all of the application tasks you will be asked to submit your application. Once your application is submitted, both the applicant and the setting manager will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. (Please check your spam/junk folders)

You should be aware of our Data Protection and Data Collection Notice.

Who can apply

• Any ECCE contracted setting can nominate an employee or a manager to apply for the LINC Programme. The setting manager can nominate themselves or any member of the setting’s staff.
• To be eligible to apply for the LINC Programme, Applicants must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in accordance with the DCDE’s Early Years Recognised Qualification Listing which can be viewed here.
• Settings that already have a LINC graduate can nominate another employee from their settings to complete LINC this year, based on the criteria outlined below. Only one application allowed per eligible setting.
• Random selection of eligible applicants will apply. Priority will be given to eligible applications in the following order:

1. Settings that do not currently employ a LINC Graduate / registered INCO.
2. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and are an Equal Start setting.
3. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and have less than 22 ECCE eligible children.
4. All other settings

*As registered with Pobal in September 2025.