Introducing the New LINC+ CPD Programme
Launched in May 2026, the new LINC+ CPD Programme provides LINC graduates with an opportunity to continue their professional learning through six newly developed Learning Packages.
Drawing on current research and the experiences of Inclusion Coordinators working in early learning and care and school-age childcare settings, the Learning Packages offer practical resources and evidence-informed strategies to support inclusive practice.
The LINC+ CPD Programme is open to all LINC graduates. Those who completed the previous programme are encouraged to participate again, as the newly developed Learning Packages offer new content and further opportunities to strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting inclusive practice.
All participants, including those who completed the previous programme, must complete a new registration to access the new Learning Packages.
Flexible, Self-Paced Learning
Fully Funded and Delivered Entirely Online
Exclusive to LINC Graduates
Certificate Awarded for Each Learning Package
Registration for the LINC+ CPD Programme is currently closed
If you are a LINC graduate interested in participating in the LINC+ CPD Programme, please complete our Expression of Interest Form. We will contact you when registration opens.
Please note: Submitting an expression of interest does not constitute registration or guarantee a place on the LINC+ CPD Programme.
About the LINC+ CPD Programme
The LINC+ CPD Programme enables graduates of the Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Level 6 Programme to continue their professional learning through structured continuing professional development.
Funded by the Department of req Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), the LINC+ CPD Programme supports early childhood educators and Inclusion Coordinators in leading and sustaining inclusive early learning and care and school-age childcare settings. The programme focuses on inclusive leadership, professional collaboration, and practices that support the participation and wellbeing of all children.
The new iteration of the LINC+ CPD Programme comprises six newly developed Learning Packages, all featuring new content.
The LINC+ CPD Programme is fully funded and free to participate in.
Delivery
The LINC+ CPD Programme is delivered entirely online through Moodle, a platform that will be familiar to graduates of the LINC Level 6 Programme. The programme offers flexible, self-paced learning, allowing participants to engage with each Learning Package at a time that suits them.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each Learning Package they successfully complete, which can be downloaded for their records.
Registration
Registration for the LINC+ CPD Programme is currently closed.
This is a new iteration of the LINC+ CPD Programme featuring completely new content. LINC graduates who participated in a previous iteration and would like to take part again must complete a new registration to access the new Learning Packages.
Whether you are interested in participating for the first time or returning for the new iteration, please email linccpd@mic.ul.ie.ie for further information about future registration opportunities.
LINC+ CPD Learning Packages
The LINC+ CPD Programme consists of six newly developed 10-hour Learning Packages.
Each Learning Package focuses on a distinct area of inclusive practice and is divided into clearly organised, manageable sections to support flexible, self-paced learning and engagement.
The first Learning Package, Leading Inclusive Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings: The Role of the Inclusion Coordinator, was released in May 2026.
Further Learning Packages will be released on a phased basis, allowing participants to engage with each one as it becomes available.
“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”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
The LINC+ CPD Programme is open to all graduates of the Level 6 Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme. You do not need to be the Inclusion Coordinator in your setting to participate.
Does my manager need to nominate me for the LINC+ CPD Programme?
No. LINC graduates can register for the LINC+ CPD Programme themselves when registration is open.
Is the LINC+ CPD Programme accredited?
The LINC+ CPD Programme can be included by all participants under Option 5 of their Core Funding Quality and Inclusive Practice Plan (QIPP). While the programme is not accredited, participants will be able to download a certificate at the end of each completed Learning Package. These certificates do not count towards a qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.
There are two LINC graduates in my setting. Can we both participate?
Yes. The LINC+ CPD Programme is open to all LINC graduates, regardless of their role within the setting. Each graduate must register separately when registration is open.
What information will I need to provide when registering?
You will be asked to provide details including your name, email address, PPS number, year of graduation, mobile telephone number and county of residence. All information will be collected and processed in accordance with our Data Protection and Data Collection Notice.
How many Learning Packages are included in the LINC+ CPD Programme, and how long does each one take to complete?
The programme consists of six Learning Packages, each containing approximately 10 hours of content. This amounts to approximately 60 hours of continuing professional development in total. The Learning Packages are flexible and self-paced, allowing participants to progress at a time and pace that suits them.
When will the LINC+ CPD Learning Packages be released?
The first Learning Package was released in May 2026. Further Learning Packages are being released on a phased basis, and registered participants will be notified as each new Learning Package becomes available.
Is the new LINC+ CPD Programme different from the previous iteration?
Yes. The new LINC+ CPD Programme, launched in May 2026, features six newly developed Learning Packages with completely new content. It is not a repeat of the previous programme.
The new Learning Packages reflect the lived experiences and evolving role of Inclusion Coordinators working in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) settings today. They include current research, new practical resources and evidence-informed strategies to support inclusive practice.
Participants will also have opportunities to connect and share their learning with Inclusion Coordinators across Ireland through weekly tutor-facilitated Communities of Practice.
If you completed the previous LINC+ CPD Programme, you will need to register again to participate in the new programme and access the new Learning Packages.
How can I find out about future registration opportunities?
Registration is currently closed. Whether you are interested in participating for the first time or returning for the new iteration, please email linccpd@mic.ul.ie for further information.
For a full list of frequently asked questions about the LINC+ CPD Programme, visit the dedicated LINC+ CPD FAQ section.
Further Information
Queries relating to the LINC+ CPD Programme should be emailed to linccpd@mic.ul.ie.
LINC+ CPD Programme – Rachael’s Experience
In this short video LINC Graduate and Inclusion Coordinator for Footpints Early Years Ltd, Racheal Govan, describes her experience of the first package of the LINC+ CPD Programme.
