UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK · IRELAND
Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC)
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- Fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE).Fully Funded
- Graduates qualify as Inclusion Coordinators (INCO).INCO Qualification
- Blended learning model with online and in-person components.Blended Learning
- Mentoring visits to your workplace included.Workplace Mentoring
- Award-winning programme for innovation and student engagement.Award-Winning
- Additional funding support for settings with a LINC graduate.Setting Funding Boost
The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme is designed to equip educators in Early Learning and Childcare settings with the skills and knowledge to support the inclusion of all children. Upon graduation, participants are qualified to act as Inclusion Coordinators (INCO) within their setting and are also recognised for Lead Educator Status. This programme addresses the growing demand for high-quality professional development in early childhood education and care, focusing on inclusive practices and leadership within the sector. It is delivered by a consortium led by Mary Immaculate College, in partnership with Early Childhood Ireland, Maynooth University, and the National Childhood Network.
Curriculum
The programme uses a blended learning approach, combining online lessons, weekly online tutorials, and in-person Saturday classes. A key component is a mentoring visit to the student's setting to help apply learning to practice. Assessments include written assignments, quizzes, and resource development, all designed to connect theory with practical experience.
- Year 1
- Inclusion in Early Years Settings: Concepts and Strategies
- Child Development
- Promoting Collaborative Practice for Inclusion in ECCE
- Curriculum for Inclusion
- Leadership for Inclusion
- Portfolio Module
Careers
Graduates of the LINC programme are qualified to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator within their Early Learning and Childcare setting. This role supports the inclusion of all children and contributes to the setting's development of an inclusive culture, practice, and pedagogy.
- Inclusion Coordinator (INCO)
- Lead Educator
Frequently asked questions
- How much does the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) programme cost?
- This programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) for eligible participants who are contracted to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme. Settings that register a LINC graduate as an Inclusion Coordinator may receive additional funding.
- What are the entry requirements for the LINC programme?
- Applicants must hold minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting as per the DCDE's recognised qualification listing. International qualifications require a Letter of Qualification Recognition from the DCDE. You must also be nominated by your setting, which must be contracted to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme and registered with Pobal.
- How do I apply for the LINC programme?
- Applications are managed through the LINC Programme website. Your setting manager must nominate you, and only one application is permitted per eligible setting. Applications are subject to random selection based on specific criteria.
- What is the duration of the LINC programme?
- The programme runs for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. It uses a blended learning approach including online lessons, weekly online tutorials, and in-person Saturday classes.
- What are the career prospects after completing the LINC programme?
- Graduates of the LINC programme are qualified to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their Early Learning and Childcare setting. They are also recognised for Lead Educator Status.
- What is the application deadline for the LINC programme?
- The application deadline for the 2026/2027 LINC Programme is Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Entry requirements
Early Learning & Care Setting Employee/ManagerMust hold minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, as per the DCDE's Early Years Recognised Qualification Listing. For Level 5 qualifications, final statements or transcripts are required. International qualifications require a Letter of Qualification Recognition from the DCDE.
Applicants are nominated by an ECCE contracted setting. Only one application per eligible setting is permitted. Random selection applies, with priority given to settings without a current LINC graduate, followed by Equal Start settings, those with over 22 ECCE eligible children, and then all other eligible settings. Settings must be registered with Pobal in March 2026.
Fees
Tuition (international)This course is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) for eligible participants.
Tuition (home)This course is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) for eligible participants.
LivingEstimated €13,000 per year.
Participants from settings contracted to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme funded by the DCDE are eligible. The programme is free to participate in for these individuals. Settings that register a LINC graduate as an Inclusion Coordinator may receive an additional €2 per week in capitation per ECCE-eligible child.
How to apply
1. Confirm EligibilityVerify that your Early Learning and Care setting holds a contract to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme funded by the DCDE. Confirm that you meet the minimum qualification requirements for working in an Early Learning & Care Setting.
2. Nomination by SettingYour setting manager must nominate you to apply for the LINC Programme. Only one application is permitted per eligible setting.
3. Complete ApplicationSubmit your application online via the LINC Programme website. You may need to upload supporting documents, such as transcripts or qualification recognition letters.
4. Selection ProcessApplications are subject to random selection, with priority given based on specific criteria related to existing LINC graduates and the size of the setting.
Accreditation
The programme is embedded in Aistear – the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, and Síolta – the National Quality Framework.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) programme cost?
+
This programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) for eligible participants who are contracted to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme. Settings that register a LINC graduate as an Inclusion Coordinator may receive additional funding.
What are the entry requirements for the LINC programme?
+
Applicants must hold minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting as per the DCDE's recognised qualification listing. International qualifications require a Letter of Qualification Recognition from the DCDE. You must also be nominated by your setting, which must be contracted to deliver the ECCE/CCS/TEC programme and registered with Pobal.
How do I apply for the LINC programme?
+
Applications are managed through the LINC Programme website. Your setting manager must nominate you, and only one application is permitted per eligible setting. Applications are subject to random selection based on specific criteria.
What is the duration of the LINC programme?
+
The programme runs for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. It uses a blended learning approach including online lessons, weekly online tutorials, and in-person Saturday classes.
What are the career prospects after completing the LINC programme?
+
Graduates of the LINC programme are qualified to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their Early Learning and Childcare setting. They are also recognised for Lead Educator Status.
What is the application deadline for the LINC programme?
+
The application deadline for the 2026/2027 LINC Programme is Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 2:00 PM.