Pictured: LINC Programme 2024 graduates, Melisa Byrne and Maria Clancy, celebrate their conferring at MIC Limerick.
The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme celebrated the achievements of 537 Inclusion Coordinators at the Lime Tree Theatre at Mary Immaculate College today (19 October) at a special ceremony recognising the dedication of graduates and their essential role in promoting inclusion within early years settings across Ireland.
Now in its ninth year, the LINC Programme stands as a beacon of excellence in fostering inclusive practice. Delivered by a consortium led by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in collaboration with Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) and Maynooth University’s Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, the programme exemplifies the Government's commitment to enhancing the quality of education and training for early years educators.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD, offered his congratulations to the graduates and praised their vital contribution to shaping an inclusive future for all children:
“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the graduates of the LINC programme. The LINC Programme is an integral element of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and has significantly contributed to the inclusion of children with disabilities in the ECCE programme. I commend the LINC Consortium for leading inclusive practices in preschool settings and the dedication of early years educators in fostering inclusive cultures. The Inclusion Coordinator plays a crucial role in promoting this culture while providing support to colleagues and parents. These graduates are now ready to be leaders of inclusion, guiding and mentoring others to drive meaningful change in perceptions of disability and inclusion in early learning. I welcome their commitment to professional development and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Niamh Hourigan, Acting President of Mary Immaculate College, celebrated the graduates’ commitment to inclusion stating:
“The LINC Programme has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to lead in fostering inclusive cultures where every child can thrive. We honour not just your academic achievements but also your unwavering commitment to creating inclusive environments where all children are valued and heard.”
Several graduates were acknowledged for their outstanding accomplishments during the ceremony including Camila Browne (Co. Dublin) who received the College Gold Medal for achieving first place in the programme. Katie Dee (Co. Kildare) was honoured with the Early Childhood Ireland Overall Best LINC Portfolio Award. Awards for the best portfolios in their respective cohorts were presented to Amy D'Alton (Co. Wexford), Fiona Patrice Danagher (Co. Kerry), Michelle Tucker (Co. Tipperary), Ella Flynn (Co. Mayo), and Zurane Foure (Co. Kildare). See a video below where LINC Graduate Adrienne Keely shares her LINC experience.
Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College, acknowledged the pivotal role of the LINC graduates as Inclusion Coordinators in championing and supporting high-quality inclusive early learning and care experiences for all children.
“Research continues to affirm the strong connection between a child’s early learning experiences and their future well-being, learning and development. The LINC Programme’s focus on intertwining quality with inclusion is transformative for educators, children, and their families”. Noting that “the LINC programme’s focus in recognising and highlighting the inextricable link between the structural and process dimensions of quality and the cultivation of inclusive culture, practice and pedagogy is ultimately transformative for early childhood educators, children and families”.
Prof. Ring thanked the LINC Team for their “outstanding commitment and contribution to the LINC programme, which continues to make a real difference in supporting early childhood educators to achieve optimal outcomes for children and families”.
Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, congratulated the graduates on their achievements: “These graduates will play a critical role in building inclusive early years settings across Ireland. Their contribution ensures that every child, regardless of their abilities, receives high-quality early learning and care. Their work will have a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.”
Niamh Fortune, Head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, echoed the sentiment of pride in the graduates' professional growth:
“The LINC Programme offers an invaluable opportunity for early childhood educators to engage in professional development that can transform their practice. We are proud to support such an innovative and inclusive initiative.”
The LINC Programme equips early years educators with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to become Inclusion Coordinators who lead and support inclusive practice within their settings. Its success is reflected not only in the increasing number of graduates but also in the positive outcomes experienced by children in early childhood settings throughout Ireland. By combining practical and theoretical approaches, the programme prepares educators to foster inclusive practice, ensuring that every child can fully participate in their early years’ experience.
Shirley Heaney, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme Shirley Heaney, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme praised each graduate for their accomplishment in completing the LINC Programme stating “as Inclusion Coordinators, you will play a vital role in supporting and advocating for the inclusion and participation of all children. Through leading an inclusive culture, practice and pedagogy in your settings, you will enrich the lives of children and their families. I would like to commend each graduate for your dedication and perseverance in completing the LINC Programme. On behalf of myself and the LINC team congratulations on your achievement!”
The LINC Programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) and was introduced as part of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) in 2016.
The LINC Programme is a pioneering initiative enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Ireland by equipping early years educators with the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive environments. By empowering early years educators to become Inclusion Coordinators, the programme ensures that every child has access to high-quality, inclusive early education.
For more information on the LINC Programme, visit www.lincprogramme.ie.
