The LINC programme qualifies the graduate to become an Inclusion Coordinator in the early years setting that they work in. Part of the role of the Inclusion Coordinator is to support the inclusion of all children, and where needed, to initiate changes in the setting that will support each child’s inclusion and participation in their ealy years enviornment. The role and function of an Inclusion Coordinator is outlined in greater detail below. A PDF with a description of the role can be found here.
Role of an Inclusion Coordinator
Leading Inclusive Practice and Pedagogy
Leading inclusive practice, inclusive pedagogy and an inclusive culture within the setting and providing support and information to staff and parents on inclusion of all children, with reference to the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines.
Cascading learning throughout the staff in the setting so as to foster an inclusive culture.
Supporting staff in the implementation of inclusive practices in curriculum planning and assessment which supports the regular reviewing of the learning environment, daily routines, activities and social interactions to enable children of all abilities and backgrounds to participate at an appropriate level in both individual and common tasks.
Sharing learning and good practice regarding observations, documentation and curriculum planning and development, modelling good practice and utilising different strategies for collaborating with the team regarding effective communication with children, with reference to Aistear and Siolta principles and guidelines.
Engaging with national and local developments related to inclusion in order to continue to lead the implementation of good practice in the setting.
Engaging with ongoing CPD to ensure adherence to good practice in relation to developments within the disability sector and in relation to the inclusion of children with additional needs.
Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)
Disseminating information on AIM, as well as on inclusion more generally, to parents and staff.
Assisting with applications for supports under AIM and liaising, where necessary, with the Early Years Specialists and other professionals working with the child. This could include meeting with parents through to using the PIP portal for the AIM application.
Liaising with Early Years Specialists to develop strategies to support participation to ensure all children and their families are supported.
Working closely with parents and other professionals, including the Early Years Specialists in cases where a child has complex additional needs which require more targeted supports and/ or additional assistance.
Liaising with parents and other professionals, including the Early Years Specialists and Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) as appropriate, to support the transition of children to primary school.
Participating in any relevant evaluation or AIM review to inform future practice and policy developments.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter and Guidelines
Promoting the National Inclusion Charter and supporting staff to engage with the revised Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines 2016. This may involve the Inclusion Co-ordinator using relevant sections of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Guidelines (exercises, critical questions and pointers) to stimulate discussion with staff and as a prompt to consider ideas for practice in facilitating an inclusive programme.
Supporting the setting to complete and regularly review its Inclusion Policy.
Views of Children and Parents
Advocating on behalf of children and engaging in regular consultation with children to allow their ideas, feelings and thoughts to contribute to service provision and delivery. Using feedback from children and their parents to inform the settings inclusion procedures, evaluation and to input into wider policy developments, as appropriate
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years programme, LINC, is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award. It is free to participate and each early years setting that employs a graduate from the programme qualifies for an extra €2 per week in capitation per ECCE child.
Applications open in March 2019 and can only be made online at www.lincprogramme.ie.
If you have any queries about the programme you can contact the LINC office on (061) 204545 or email linc@mic.ul.ie, alternatively you can click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates by email.
The LINC programme qualifies the graduate to become an Inclusion Coordinator in the early years setting that they work in. Part of the role of the Inclusion Coordinator is to support the inclusion of all children, and where needed, to initiate changes in the setting that will support each child’s inclusion and participation in their ealy years enviornment. The role and function of an Inclusion Coordinator is outlined in greater detail below. A PDF with a description of the role can be found here.