Any ECCE contracted setting can nominate an employee or a manager to apply for the LINC Programme. The setting manager can nominate themselves or any member of the setting’s staff.
To be eligible to apply for the LINC Programme, Applicants must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in accordance with the DCDE’s Early Years Recognised Qualification Listing.
Settings that already have a LINC graduate can nominate another employee from their settings to complete LINC this year, based on the criteria outlined below. Only one application allowed per eligible setting.
Random selection of eligible applicants will apply. Priority will be given to eligible applications in the following order:
1. Settings that do not currently employ a LINC Graduate / registered INCO.
2. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and are an Equal Start setting.
3. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and have less than 22 ECCE eligible children.
4. All other settings
*As registered with Pobal in September 2025.