Supporting Transitions from the Home to the Early Learning and Care Setting – Advice and Best Practice
In this edition of the LINC Programme blog we examine how early childhood teachers can ensure a smooth transition for children as they embark on their education journey. As we welcome children and families back to our Early Learning and Care (ELC) Settings this...
Our Voices in Practice are Important – Lets Keep Talking!
Our Voices in Practice are Important – Lets Keep Talking! Using Action Research in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) Setting to support with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic In this edition of the LINC Blog, managing director and early childhood...
Creating a Sensory Space
Creating a Sensory Space In this edition of the LINC blog, tutors Claire Butterly, Karina Abbott, Ann Donnellan, Carole Dee, Linda Madden, Margaret Joyce and Paula Harte highlight some considerations when planning a sensory space in your Early Learning and Care...
Exciting Professional Opportunity for Early Learning and Care (ELC) Practitioners (LINC graduates)
Exciting Professional Opportunity for Early Learning and Care (ELC) Practitioners (LINC graduates) A research consortium, led by the University of Derby, is recruiting approximately 16 Practitioner Researchers (PRs) to participate in the ‘End of Year Three Evaluation...
Minister urges staff in Early Learning and Care settings to avail of free, award-winning inclusion programme
Minister urges staff in Early Learning and Care settings to avail of free, award-winning inclusion programme Applications to open for 660 places available nationwide as LINC programme enters sixth year with over 3,000 graduates to date The Leadership...
Minister praises over 800 LINC Programme graduates for commitment to inclusive culture which ‘will have a wider impact in society as a whole’.
Minister praises over 800 LINC Programme graduates for commitment to inclusive culture which ‘will have a wider impact in society as a whole’. Remarkable Achievements of LINC Graduates Recognised at Virtual Ceremony Speaking ahead of a Virtual Ceremony...
Bringing the hug button to life in Bambi’s
In this edition of the LINC blog, current student María Florencia Caunedo Ampudia from Bambi's Pre-school in Greenpark Dublin, tells of her success at implementing Dr Mary O'Kane's "hug button" strategy. Going back to pre-school after a long break can be...
AONTAS Recognises the Work of the LINC Programme and its Graduates with a Highly Commended Award
AONTAS Recognises the Work of the LINC Programme and its Graduates with a Highly Commended Award The LINC Programme was highly commended through the AONTAS STAR Awards this week in the category for initiatives that support social inclusion. The...
LINC Consortium takes the lead again as it launches exciting new Continuing Professional Development Programme for over 3,000 graduates.
LINC Consortium takes the lead again as it launches exciting new Continuing Professional Development Programme for over 3,000 graduates. Thousands of Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) across Ireland will be offered an opportunity to further expand their knowledge...
Looking after Children’s Well-Being During a Pandemic.
In this edition of our blog, Teaching Fellow in Early Childhood Education in the Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies, MIC Limerick, Mai Burke-Hayes, outlines some tips for looking after children's well-being during a pandemic. ...
Self-Care this Valentine’s Day
In this edition of our blog, LINC Tutor Claire Butterly reminds us that while Valentine's Day is often celebrated as a time to demonstrate your love for others, it can also be a time for self-reflection. As Early Childhood Teachers, many of you...
LINC Programme Shortlisted for AONTAS STAR Award 2021
LINC Programme Shortlisted for Aontas Award 2021The LINC (Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years) Adult Education Programme has been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the 'Adult Learning Initiatives that Promote Social Inclusion' category. The STAR Awards...
Early Childhood Expert Appointed as National Coordinator of the LINC Programme
Early Childhood Expert Appointed as National Coordinator of the LINC Programme The LINC Consortium is Delighted to Announce the Appointment of Shirley Heaney as the National Coordinator of the LINC Programme.Early childhood expert and newly appointed National...
A Positive Opportunity: Covid-19 and Outdoor Play
In this edition of our blog, LINC tutor Carole Dee describes how her team created a positive experience for the children of their setting despite the challenges of Covid-19 . While I am passionate about the value of outdoor learning, making the shift to...
LINC Shines a Light on Invisible Needs during the Pandemic
LINC Shines a Light on Invisible Needs during the Pandemic The Foundation Building in Mary immaculate College Limerick turns Purple as part of the Disability Federation of Ireland’s Purple Lights Campaign and to mark the United Nations International Day of...
Planning and Preparing for Inclusive Décor in Early Learning and Care at Christmas
In this edition of our blog, LINC tutor Paula Harte outlines some things to think about when planning and preparing your Christmas displays in early learning and care. Displays have always had the potential to enhance any Early Learning and Care (ELC) setting,...
Leading Inclusion – Clare Family Resource Centre Wins LINC Award.
The award was sponsored by the LINC Programme as part of the Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) National Awards, which took place virtually between November 16 and 27, 2020. Last Wednesday (25/11/2020) was a day of great celebration for the INclusion...
Boost for Inclusion in the early years as free multi-award winning Third Level leadership programme is extended for another three years
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Consortium has been awarded a tender by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) to continue its delivery of a specialist level 6 higher education programme for practising early childhood...
Staying Together While Staying Apart – Teach Spraoi Community Childcare
In this edition of our blog, current student Edwina Doyle outlines how her setting has been keeping in touch with the children and their parents during the COVID-19 shutdown . Teach Spraoi Community Childcare is a purpose-built centre for early years and...
Embracing Outdoor Projects During Isolation to Benefit our Community: Barnsmore Montessori
In this week’s blog, we take a look at how the children, parents and teachers of Barnsmore Montessori have been embracing outdoor projects to benefit their local community. In Barnesmore Montessori, the day of Thursday 12 March began like any other. The...
Setting Focus: Teach Spraoi Nature Kindergarten
This week the LINC Team chatted with Nora Custy, owner/manager of An Teach Spraoi Nature Kindergarten to see what they have been up to since restrictions were imposed. Nestled just outside the town of Ennis in Co. Clare is An Teach Spraoi Nature Kindergarten....
Supporting Transitions back to the Early Learning and Care Setting after the COVID-19 Closure
In this edition of our blog, LINC Tutor Sharon Skehill, outlines some of the ways she will be helping to support the children of her setting to transition back to early learning and care after the COVID-19 closure. Many Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings...
Setting Focus: Mabuhay Pre-school Meath
In this edition of our blog, current LINC Student Liz Manville from Mabuhay Pre-school in Mosney talks about how her pre-school cares for the educational needs of children living in the accommodation centre. Mabuhay Pre-school in opened in 2003 in order to...
Making a child’s day a bit more special: St Lawrence Montessori
In this edition of our blog, current LINC Student, Isabel Baldan, and owner/manager of St Lawrence Montessori, Gráinne Morris, talk about how they have continued to engage with the children of their setting during this period of uncertainty. Gráinne Morris...
Keeping it Social with Múinteoir Catherine
In this edition of our blog, the LINC team catches up with Múinteoir Catherine after she finishes her daily interaction with the children from her naíonra. LINC graduate and Inclusion Coordinator Catherine Allen has worked in the early years sector for...
A Trip Down Memory Lane and the Power of Nursery Rhymes for Children and Adults!
I was lucky enough to teach 4-5 year olds for over ten years. Among my favourite moments each week was teaching a nursery rhyme. During initial teacher education, one of my heroes was Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), often referred to as the ‘Father of...
Government Led Initiative Brings Key Stakeholders Together to Focus on Play
Government-Led Initiative Brings Key Experts Together to Focus on Play Let's Play Ireland Campaign Aiming to Support Families and Children During Challenging Period The Let's Play Ireland campaign led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is a...
Setting Focus: Pebbles Montessori Ballheigue
In this edition of our blog, current LINC student Jacinta O'Hara shares one of the ways she has stayed connected with the children of her service during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a beautiful sunny day in Ireland as I pick up the phone to call Jacinta O’Hara....
Continuing Open Communication in Uncertain Times
In this edition of the LINC Programme blog, current LINC student Katie Broderick outlines some of the ways her setting is continuing to support and communicate with the parents of children in these uncertain times. While we are all scrambling around...
LINC Programme Covid-19 Update for Current LINC Students
12/03/2020 Dear Student, As you are aware there is an ongoing situation developing in Ireland in relation to the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Today the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that all childcare facilities, schools, colleges and universities...