LINC Programme Hosts Record-Breaking Webinar on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Updated Aistear Framework

The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme hosted an insightful and highly attended webinar on Wednesday, February 12th, exploring the integral role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the updated Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. With over 1,000 registrants, this record-breaking event brought together Dr. Sharon Skehill (Education Officer, NCCA) and Lorraine Farrell (National Aistear Development Officer, NCCA) to share their expertise and discuss the evolving landscape of early childhood education in Ireland.

With the recent updates to Aistear reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education, the webinar provided early years educators with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding and begin planning for the implementation of these updates in their settings.

Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, highlighted the significance of the event, stating:
“On February 12th, we were thrilled to welcome Dr. Sharon Skehill and Lorraine Farrell as they delivered an insightful webinar for the LINC community on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the updated Aistear. This session saw our highest-ever attendance and bookings, demonstrating the early years sector’s strong commitment to continuous professional learning in the area of inclusion. The webinar provided our participants with a valuable opportunity to explore upcoming changes and proactively plan for their implementation in early learning and care settings in the months ahead. Many thanks to Sharon, Lorraine, the LINC team, and each and every one of our participants on the evening.”

Dr. Sharon Skehill, Education Officer, NCCA, reflected on the engagement and enthusiasm of educators who attended:
“This was a great opportunity for NCCA to share insights about the updated Aistear and, crucially, to illustrate how diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded throughout the Vision, Principles, and Themes of the Framework. I think having this time to support educators in becoming familiar with the updates creates space for shared understanding and discussion around important and newer concepts. I know I came away from this webinar feeling invigorated and thoroughly convinced of Aistear’s image of the agentic, competent, and reflective educator, who turned up in their hundreds to further develop their professional knowledge. Thanks for having us!”

Lorraine Farrell, National Aistear Development Officer, NCCA, underscored the importance of these updates in providing educators with the resources they need:
“I’m delighted to see the updated Aistear finalised—it’s an exciting step forward for early childhood education in Ireland. The Aistear Síolta Practice Guide is being updated and will provide early years educators with the support they need to bring Aistear to life in their own settings in a way that reflects their unique contexts, as well as the individual rights and needs of babies, toddlers, young children, and their families. I’m excited to see how early years educators will use these resources in their everyday practice to support the holistic learning and development of babies, toddlers, and young children.”

Since its inception in 2016, the LINC Programme has been dedicated to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its research and practice-based approach. The programme supports educators in creating inclusive and equitable early years environments, a mission that aligns closely with the recent inclusion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as one of Aistear’s nine core principles.

Emer Ring, Dean of Education, Early Childhood, and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick, emphasised this alignment:
“From its establishment in 2016, the LINC Programme has been committed to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programmes. Through its research-into-practice emphasis, the LINC Programme supports educators in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive settings. The identification of ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ as one of the nine principles of early learning and development in the recent update of Aistear aligns with and further reinforces the goal of the LINC Programme in cultivating inclusive culture, practice, and pedagogy to create spaces where equity prevails and diversity becomes the norm.

Is mór againn freisin ról na Gaeilge sa chreatlach nua. Táimid fíorbhuíoch don CNCM as tacaíocht a thabhairt dúinn leis an obair atá idir lámha againn. Míle buíochas le Dr. Sharon Skehill agus Lorraine Farrell as an webinar inspioráideach ar an gCéadaoin seo caite. Bhí sibh ar fheabhas ar fad.”

For those who missed the live event, the full webinar recording is now available here. We encourage all educators, policymakers, and those connected to the early years sector to engage with this valuable resource as they continue to enhance their understanding of inclusive early childhood education.

🔗 Watch the webinar recording here

🔗 Access the updated Aistear here.

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For further information please contact:
Helena Thompson
Marketing, Communications & Recruitment Officer, LINC Programme
T: +353 86 152 5625
E: Helena.Thompson@mic.ul.ie

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