Question 1

Will there be extra capitation for settings who register an INCO?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Early Years settings that register an Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) who has graduated from LINC will receive an extra u20ac2 per week in capitation per ECCE-eligible child in a pre-school room, where the child is on an ECCE/CCSP/TEC programme. Subject to detailed operational guidelines, the increase applies from a) graduation of the Inclusion Coordinator from the LINC programme and b) completion of a signed agreement by the Inclusion Coordinator that they will take on the roles and responsibilities associated with the post. INCO Capitation (once a qualified INCO is appointed) is paid to settings for all children in their pre-school room (i.e. for all ECCE-eligible children) no matter which programme they are funded through.    If a setting employs two LINC Graduates, only one LINC Graduate can be appointed as the official INclusion COordinator for that setting. Settings with two LINC Graduates will only receive the INCO capitation payment in relation to one graduate only. For the purpose of AIM rules and compliance checks there should only be one primary INCO to whom the INCO capitation will relate, however, settings can allocate tasks and both graduates can work as a team. If the primary INCO leaves the setting, the second graduate can be immediately appointed as the INCO by completing the Notification of Changes form, ensuring there would not be any gap in additional capitation due.

Question 2

Is there a cost to apply to the LINC Programme?

Accepted Answer

No.  The applicantu2019s place is fully funded from September to May by the DCEDIY. In addition all students will receive a u20ac200.00 student bursary.

Question 3

Is there financial support available to LINC students?

Accepted Answer

All students who are fully engaging with the LINC Programme will receive a u20ac200.00 bursary. Students are requested to provide their bank details on completion of their registration as a student with MIC in order for the bursary to be issued to their bank account.    A Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is also available to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support.  All full time or part time students on a course that leads to a higher education award at level 6 -10 of the national framework of qualifications are eligible to apply for the SAF.  Information on the application process for the SAF is communicated to students by email on an annual basis.     MIC also provides a Laptop Lending Scheme for its students. The scheme, which is funded by the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, supports disadvantaged students in the higher education sector in accessing ICT devices. MIC has a limited number of laptops available to loan to eligible students and invites applications on an annual basis to students by email.

Question 4

LINC has now been recognised as having Lead Educator Status what does this mean for someone who has completed LINC?

Accepted Answer

As well as taking up the role of INclusion COordinator you also meet the requirements for Lead Educator status.

Question 5

When will this bursary be paid?

Accepted Answer

The bursary will be issued to all students during the Academic Year.

What are the specific dates of the programme?