Universal Supports
AIM universal supports benefit the whole Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) environment by empowering providers to create a more inclusive culture within their settings. This is achieved through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), an Charter and Guidelines, and a Level 6 qualification in inclusion – the Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme.
Level 1 – Inclusion Coordinator Training (LINC)
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award (Higher Education) designed to support the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) settings. Fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), the LINC Programme is delivered by a consortium led by Mary Immaculate College (MIC), in partnership with Early Childhood Ireland, Maynooth University – The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, and the National Childhood Network (NCN). Graduates of the LINC Programme are qualified to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their ELC or SAC setting and are eligible for Lead Educator/Room Leader status under the DCDE Qualification Guidelines.
The role of the Inclusion Coordinator is to provide leadership within their setting in relation to diversity, equality, and inclusion. This includes supporting the implementation of inclusive practices, engaging in continuing professional development, and sharing learning with other staff members. Where a service provider is a fully qualified Inclusion Coordinator or employs one within their setting, that provider will qualify for an increase of €2 per child per week in the ECCE capitation rate. For information on how to apply for LINC or increased capitation, visit the How to Apply for Universal Supports page or the LINC Programme website.
“The LINC programme really increased my confidence in talking to parents about inclusion and disability. The lessons I have learned through the programme have spread to colleagues and has created a more inclusive and quality childcare experience in my pre-school.”
Margaret O Brien, Little Stars Montessori School, Laois
LINC+ CPD Programme
The LINC+ CPD Programme enables graduates of the LINC Level 6 Programme to continue their professional learning through additional training, networking, and the development of communities of practice. Delivered completely online, the programme is designed to: equip Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) with the knowledge, practices, and values to lead inclusion in ELC and SAC settings and to support the implementation of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM); offer strategies and supports that enable participants to ensure all children can access and fully participate in ELC and SAC settings; support the development of family, professional, and community partnerships that contribute to the creation of inclusive ELC and SAC environments; and encourage the creation of Communities of Practice that bring professionals together to share and strengthen inclusive approaches. Like the Level 6 Programme, LINC+ CPD is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), with no cost to participants.
For more information, visit the LINC Programme website.
Inclusion Coordinator Key Documents
Level 1 – EDI Training
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines were developed by the DCDE to support and empower those working in the ELC and SAC sector to explore, understand, and develop inclusive practices for the benefit of children, their families, and wider society. EDI training helps providers understand the Charter and Guidelines, create their own inclusion charter, and develop an anti-bias approach within their setting.
These free courses are available nationwide. For more information, contact your local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC) here.
Level 3 – Continuing Professional Development
AIM also supports settings by providing three Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in the areas of disability and inclusion these are:
- Hanen – Hanen Teacher Talk is a three day training course for providers, to help them enable young children to develop language and literacy skills.
- Lámh – Lámh is a manual sign language system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs.
- SPEL – SPEL stands for Sensory Processing E-Learning programme and helps providers support children with sensory processing difficulties.
Hanen, Lámh and SPEL are delivered by Better Start. SPEL is hosted on Better Start’s LMS (learning management system).