Question 1

Can someone employed by funding received through AIM Level 7 apply to the LINC Programme?

Accepted Answer

A manager may nominate any employee to participate in the LINC Programme once their qualification means the minimum requirements to work in an Early Years setting. It should be noted, however, that in order for the service to get the additional capitation after LINC, the graduate must continue to be employed, and to be appointed as an INCO (INclusion COordinator). Managers, therefore, would need to consider what would happen if they were no longer in receipt of Level 7 funding, and therefore were not continuing to employ the person funded under AIM. Most services, therefore, should consider nominating a permanent employee to complete LINC so they can benefit from this capitation on an ongoing basis.    As a side note: under AIM, where the other supports are not sufficient to meet the needs of the child, pre-school providers, in partnership with parents, can apply for additional capitation to fund extra support in the classroom or to enable the reduction of the staff to child ratio. Where the ratio is being reduced, there is not meant to be any difference between any of the Early Years' Teacher(s) (practitioners/educators) in the same room in terms of job description - they are not meant to be specifically working with individual children but with all children within the room. Therefore, there is no advantage to selecting someone funded under AIM Level 7 to do LINC, while, in fact, as the LINC Graduate becomes the INCO, it may be of more use that a permanent employee who will lead inclusion across the setting would complete LINC.    Further information on the Level 7 supports is available at: http://aim.gov.ie/faqs/#d

Question 2

What criteria are used to select successful applicants?

Accepted Answer

The setting must have a pre-school room and hold a contract to deliver the ECCE Programme. The nominated applicant must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in order to be eligible for a place on the programme.    For 2024/25, random selection of eligible applicants will apply.   Priority will be given to eligible applications according to the following criteria:  1. Settings that do not currently employ a LINC graduate.  2. Settings that already employ a LINC graduate and have over 22 ECCE-aged children attending.*  3. All other settings.    *as registered with Pobal in September 2023

Question 3

Can I defer my place?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to defer an offer of a place. If you are not in a position to take up a place this year, you should reject the offeru00a0and you may re-apply next year, providingu00a0you are eligible to do so.

Question 4

How is the programme delivered?

Accepted Answer

The programme is based on a flexible model of delivery addressing the learning requirements and needs of our students. 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 5

What is the deadline for applications?

Accepted Answer

Applications must be submitted by 4pm on Thursday 4th April 2024.

Question 6

Who can apply for LINC?

Accepted Answer

Any early yearsu2019 setting with a pre-school room that is contracted for any DCEDIY Early Years Programme (ECCE/CCSP/TEC) can nominate someone for LINC. The setting manager can nominate themselves or any member of the settingu2019s staff.   tThe nominated applicant must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in order to be eligible for a place on the programme.   tRandom selection of eligible applicants will apply. Priority will be given to eligible applications according to the following criteria:  1. Settings that do not currently employ a LINC graduate.  2. Settings that already employ a LINC graduate and have over 22 ECCE-aged children attending.*  3. All other settings.         *As registered with Pobal in September 2023.

Question 7

Do I have to be employed in an Early Learning & Care Setting to apply for the LINC Programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must be employed in an Early Learning & Care Setting.

Question 8

Do I need to supply details of my qualification when making my application?

Accepted Answer

Yes.u00a0u00a0Au00a0scanned copy or photo of the applicantu2019s certificate or transcript must be submitted with the application form.

Question 9

How do I accept an offer of a place?

Accepted Answer

Successful applicants will be advised by email of the offer of a place. If the offer is not accepted by the deadline, the offer is forfeited and the place is offered to another applicant.

Question 10

How dou00a0I apply?

Accepted Answer

All applications must be completed online via the 'Apply Now' page here. Settings must first set a password, then proceed to log in and complete the application form.u00a0 Applications must be submitted using a PC (desktop or laptop), smartphones and tablets are not recommended. u00a0Please note: all mandatory fields denoted by an * must be completed and a copy of the applicant's relevant qualification must be included.

Question 11

I am working on a CE scheme in a setting, can I submit an application?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately applicants must be employed by the setting.

Question 12

If a setting applied previously, can they apply again?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can.

Question 13

There are two people in my setting that want to apply can they both make an application?

Accepted Answer

Only one application can be submitted per setting.

Question 14

When will I be notified if my application is successful?

Accepted Answer

We hope to make offers to eligible applicants in June 2024. Further details will be emailed to individuals and their employers at that point.

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Minister O’Gorman commends the dedication of early years educators and encourages them to avail of the opportunity to apply for the award-winning LINC Programme.