Question 1

What will the coursework and assessments involve?

Accepted Answer

Each module will consist of 3 recorded lessons each week which students can listen to at any time, a weekly online tutorial, and one live webinar. In addition to this, there will also be an opportunity for students to attend two in person classroom sessions with their Tutor for the Portfolio Module, one in the Autumn Semester and the other in the Spring Semester.

Question 2

What are the guidelines around applying for the Exemption

Accepted Answer

Onceu00a0a candidate has accepted a place on the programme, details on how to apply for exemptions will be made available.u00a0 Exemptions may be sought for the following modules only: Child Development and Curriculum for Inclusion. Exemptions will be granted based on assessment of prior learning in these two specific areas andu00a0applicants must demonstrate that they have successfully met the learning outcomes for these two modules.

Question 3

Must I be online at specific times during the week?

Accepted Answer

There will be a weekly live tutorial with your tutor, which will provide an opportunity to engage in live discussions with your tutor and other learners, and to ask questions and seek clarification in real time.

Question 4

What is the duration of the LINC Programme?

Accepted Answer

The programme will run from September 2024 until May 2025. The 2024/25 programme comprises 6 modules delivered over two semesters: Autumn; Spring.

Question 5

Can I be an INCO in my setting, if I have not completed the LINC Programme?

Accepted Answer

No, the LINC Programme is the only programme that qualifies the graduates to fulfill the role of INclusion COordinator.  Only graduates of the LINC Programme will be eligible for the associated additional capitation of u20ac2 per child on the ECCE scheme.

Question 6

How will the course be delivered?

Accepted Answer

The programme is based on a flexible model of delivery addressing the learning requirements and needs of our students. For more see our Programme Overview page.

Question 7

Is this programme necessary if I have already completed a programme on leading the inclusion of children with additional needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The LINC Programme is designed to enhance the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care settings through the development of the role of the Inclusion Coordinator. Only services with graduates from the LINC programme will be eligible for the associated additional capitation of u20ac2 per child on the ECCE programme.

Question 8

Will there be an Orientation for the LINC Programme 2024/2025?

Accepted Answer

Orientation details for incoming 2024/2025 LINC Students will take place on the week of 10th September 2024.  All details will be provided to incoming students in advance.

Question 9

What does Special Purpose Award mean?

Accepted Answer

A Special Purpose Award is an award type developed for specific areas of learning that have a narrow scope.    All Special Purpose Awards comprise of one or more components. LINC is an example of a Special Purpose Awards as it pertains to the role of INclusion CoOrdinator. The modules included in this programmeu00a0are unique to this award, with the exception of Child Development and Curriculum for Inclusion.   A full list of the DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications can be found here.

Question 10

What modules can I apply for an exemption from?

Accepted Answer

Requests for exemptionsu00a0will beu00a0assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with qualifications at level 6 and higheru00a0may seek exemptions from theu00a0Child Development and Curriculum for Inclusion modules, only. When applying for exemptions, applicants must demonstrate they have successfully met the learning outcomes for these modules. u00a0It isu00a0mandatory for all participants on the programme to complete the following modules: Inclusion in Early Yearsu2019 Settings: Concepts and Strategies; Promoting Collaborative Practice for Inclusion; Leadership for Inclusion; and the Portfolio Module.             Table 1. Summary of Programme      Module Title  Credits  Semester      Inclusion in Early Years Settings: Concepts and Strategies  12  Autumn      Child Development  6  Autumn      Promoting Collaborative Practice for Inclusion in Early Childhood Care and Education  12  Spring      Curriculum for Inclusion  u00a06  Spring      Leadership for Inclusion  12  Summer      Portfolio Module  12  u00a0Summer

What happens if the INclusion COordinator leaves – can another staff member apply for the LINC Programme?