Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme 2025/2026 – applications open
The 2025/2026 LINC Programme will be delivered through a blended learning model, which includes six in-person Saturday classes, one for each module. These in-person sessions support student engagement, collaboration, and the development of inclusive practice. For the upcoming academic year, in-person classes will take place in Athlone, Cork City, Sligo Town, Maynooth, Kilkenny City and Limerick City.
The LINC Programme is open to applicants who work with babies, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and school-aged children, where the setting holds an ECCE contract, and where the applicant holds a minimum qualification of QQI Level 5 in Early Childhood Education and care or equivalent.
The LINC Programme offers important benefits for settings. Graduates of LINC are recognised for Lead Educator Status under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality Qualification Guidelines. In addition, settings that appoint a LINC graduate as their Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) are eligible to receive an additional €2 per week in capitation per ECCE-eligible child, once the INCO has graduated and signed the agreement to undertake the role. The LINC Programme is fully funded by the DCDE and free to participate.
More information about the programme is available here:
LINC Programme Overview: https://lincprogramme.ie/programme-overview/…
LINC Programme Brochure: https://read.bookcreator.com/…/O4ATAtV6TiaZjdu-SYBnmg
Apply Now:https://lincprogramme.ie/apply-now/
Applications for the 2025/2026 programme close on Monday, 24 November 2025, at 2pm, and the programme will commence in January 2026. Managers can submit an application on behalf of an applicant, but must ensure that the applicant’s details are entered in the application form.
