The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Consortium has been awarded a tender by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) to continue its delivery of a specialist level 6 higher education programme for practising early childhood educators working in early learning and care (ELC) settings across Ireland. The contract is worth 3.6 million over the next three years, with the option of a one-year extension.
The LINC Programme is a one-year, Level 6 Special Purpose award delivered by a consortium led by Mary Immaculate College (MIC), which includes Early Childhood Ireland and Maynooth University-Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education. The programme is designed to support early childhood educators in leading and creating inclusive settings, where all children are enabled to flourish and achieve their potential. The LINC Programme has been delivered through a blended format in the past number of years, and has received multiple awards for the innovation, exceptionality and accessibility of the students’ experience. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and the LINC Consortium’s concern to prioritise the health and safety of students, their families and communities, the LINC programme will be delivered exclusively online until it is safe to revert to face-to-face sessions. Graduates of the programme qualify to become INclusion Coordinators (INCOs) in their early childhood settings.
In the last four years, over 3,500 early childhood educators have completed the programme and a further 630 places annually will be made available over the next three to ensure that all settings can benefit from the support that an INCO can provide. In addition to the Level 6 programme, the LINC Consortium is developing a continuing professional development (CPD) programme for INCOs to allow them to continue on their education journey and deepen their knowledge and understanding of leading inclusion in their settings. Source: LINC Website
LINC has been extended for another three years and will open for new applications on Monday October 12 at 9am, to make an application visit the LINC website at lincprogramme.ie. The programme will be 100% online for 2020/2021, so there will be no locations. The programme will commence in January 2021. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AT 4PM.
Only one application allowed per eligible setting. Places will not be allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is NO FEE to participate in this course. Each participant will receive €200 towards expenses incurred. Applications can only be completed using a DESKTOP or LAPTOP computer.
