📣 The LINC Programme is pleased to share details of the upcoming Comhdháil ar an Óige agus an Míchumas, taking place in University College Dublin (UCD) on Thursday, 6 June 2025. This one-day conference will explore themes of inclusion and the Irish-speaking community, featuring a rich programme of speakers and panel discussions. 📝 Registration is required and can be completed here: lnkd.in/gWPzugrX Guímid gach rath ar na heagraithe leis an ócáid mhachnamhach agus shuimiúil seo atá geallta. 👏 #Inclusion #Gaeilge #Comhdháil2025 #LINCProgramme

To celebrate the United Nations International Day of Play, the LINC Programme is delighted to host a free webinar: "Occupational Therapy Play Theory: Understanding and Facilitating Authentic Neurodivergent Play" with Meghan O’Rourke, Clinical Practice Manager and Occupational Therapist at Neurodiversity Ireland. Drawing on over eight years of experience in children’s services across Ireland and Canada, Meghan will explore how key Occupational Therapy theories can help us better understand neurodivergent play. This webinar will offer practical tools for creating inclusive, child-led, and joyful play experiences that honour the unique ways children connect, explore, and grow. Whether you're an educator, early years manager, or support neurodivergent children in another role, this webinar will provide fresh insights into strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches to play. 📅 Wednesday, June 11th at 7pm 🎟️ FREE to attend – Register here: eventbrite.ie/e/137417395428… #InternationalDayOfPlay #LINCProgramme

Members of the LINC Team were delighted to attend Trauma Awareness Training today at The Sanctuary, Dublin. This in-person training focused on supporting Early Years professionals in caring for children who have experienced trauma and early adversity. Thanks to Sharon Byrne and @Barnardos_IRL for such an insightful and practical session. #LINCProgramme #TraumaAwareness #Barnardos #EarlyYears

🌸🐣 Happy Easter from all of us at LINC! 🐰🌸 Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Easter filled with kindness, laughter, and plenty of chocolate! 🍫✨ #HappyEaster #LINCProgramme

📚 We’ve added a new title to the Transitions section of our Book of Books digital resource: A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle. This gentle and thoughtful story supports children as they prepare to move from preschool to primary school. It encourages reflection, builds confidence and invites meaningful conversations about change, growth and the excitement of new beginnings. You can explore the full Book of Books here: 🔗 read.bookcreator.com/VXi0tze… Don’t forget to register for our upcoming webinar Beyond Books – How Public Libraries Support Learning, Inclusion and Community taking place on Thursday, May 1st at 7.00pm. 📅 Register here: eventbrite.ie/e/131742662148… #TransitionsToPrimarySchool #BookOfBooks #InclusiveLearning #LINCProgramme

Today is National Pet Day, and we’re celebrating the loyal companions who brighten our days! From wagging tails to purring cuddles, our pets bring joy in so many ways. Swipe to meet some of the LINC Team’s adorable pets! 🐶🐱🐾 #NationalPetDay #FurryFriends #LINCProgramme

📢 Join the LINC Team and Dervla Dunne, A/Librarian and member of the management team at Wexford Town Library, for an engaging webinar on the evolving role of public libraries in supporting inclusive learning and community connection for children and families. In this webinar, Dervla will provide an overview of public library services, with a special focus on supports available to parents, educators and children. She will highlight how libraries promote learning, inclusion and community engagement across all age groups and abilities, while also sharing ideas on how to make the most of your local library. 📅 Date: Thursday, 1st May 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM 👉 Register now: eventbrite.ie/e/131742662148… #LINCProgramme #InclusiveLearning #CommunitySupport #PublicLibraries

Members of the LINC Team were delighted to attend yesterday’s seminar on Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework at @MICLimerick . A huge thank you to @sharon_skehill, Lorraine, and Mary Daly from the @NCCAie for such an inspiring and informative session! 👏 #Aistear #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LINCProgramme #NCCA

💙 Today is World Autism Awareness & Acceptance Day 💙 A day to celebrate neurodiversity, promote understanding, and foster inclusion for all. Let’s work together to create a world where every child is supported and valued. #WorldAutismDay #AutismAcceptance #InclusionMatters #LINCProgramme

Members of the LINC Team were delighted to attend the regional HEI seminar in Sligo on the updated Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. The seminar, hosted by the @NCCAie in collaboration with higher education institutions, provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the updates and reflect on how these changes can be integrated across ECEC programmes. In the first photo, LINC Tutors Paula Harte and Victoria Coulter Harte are pictured alongside Dr. Sharon Skehill and Donna Carolan. In the second photo, Paula is joined by two LINC Graduates who are now lecturers in ECCE at ATU. #Aistear #LINCProgramme #EarlyYearsEducation #ECEC #NCCA #ATU

A huge thank you to everyone who registered for tonight’s webinar, "Giving Every Child a Voice: AAC and Communication Boards in the Early Years." 🎉 Another sell-out event for the LINC Programme with over 1,000 registrations! A special thank you to Melanie Boyle for delivering such a fantastic and insightful presentation. 🙌 We highly recommend following her on social media for more great resources and updates: 📲 Facebook: facebook.com/Communication_a… 📲 Instagram: instagram.com/AAC_communicat… 📩 Email: info@communication-angel.com 💡 Stay Connected! Sign up for the LINC Newsletter to receive the latest updates, access exclusive professional resources, and get invitations to upcoming events and webinars: lincprogramme.ie/sign-up-to-… #AAC #EarlyYears #InclusionMatters #LINCProgramme

For many young children, communication extends beyond spoken words. From AAC devices to communication boards, these tools play a crucial role in helping children express themselves. Aistear recognises the importance of inclusive communication, highlighting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology as essential supports for children who need them. "Communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that replace or support spoken language are known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They can be used to enhance or substitute speech. It includes any form of communication besides spoken words used with oral speech or instead of oral speech." (Aistear, NCCA 2024) 💡 Do you want to learn more about AAC and Communication Boards? Join us for our upcoming LINC webinar: 🎟 "Giving Every Child a Voice: AAC and Communication Boards in the Early Years" 📅 Date: Wednesday, 19th March 2025 🕒 Time: 7pm 🔗 Register now: eventbrite.ie/e/125822934082… ⏳Limited tickets available – secure your spot today! Access the updated Aistear: curriculumonline.ie/early-ch… #AAC #Aistear #InclusiveEducation #EarlyYears #LINCProgramme

@AsIAmIreland has created a helpful visual guide to support children in preparing for and enjoying St. Patrick’s Day in a way that feels comfortable for them. 🌈🎉 This resource provides clear, accessible information to help children navigate the celebrations with confidence! Download the guide here 👉 cdn.prod.website-files.com/6… #StPatricksDay #Inclusion #SupportingChildren #EarlyYears #LINCProgramme

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 The LINC Team is delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for three prestigious awards at the @EDUAwardsIRL 2025! 🏆 ✅ Best Marketing / Communications Team ✅ Best Online Learning Experience ✅ Best Research Project A huge thank you to the judging panel, our committed students, graduates, and team members. ❤️ We look forward to the awards ceremony on May 8th! 🔗 Learn more about the awards: educationawards.ie #LINCProgramme #EducationAwards2025

Today, our National Coordinator, @ClaireButterly3, had the pleasure of speaking with students from the Early Childhood Programme at SETU, Summerhill Road. She shared valuable insights into her educational journey and career progression to her role with the LINC Programme. A huge thank you to @SETUIreland for hosting such an engaging and inspiring session! #LINCProgramme #LeadershipInInclusion #EarlyYearsEducation

Our in-person Portfolio Classes are taking place across the country today, including here in Galway at The Connacht Hotel, where LINC Tutor Linda Madden and LINC CPD Tutor Lorraine Diggins are trying out some movement breaks—an effective way to re-energise and refocus during a busy day of learning. 👏✨ #LINCProgramme #MovementBreaks #ActiveLearning

The LINC CPD Programme has empowered many graduates to enhance their skills—just like Maricica Bibu. Through the programme, she deepened her understanding of inclusion, equality, and diversity, gained valuable insights and practical strategies, and was inspired to become a mentor in the Mentoring for Equality programme. Now, it's your turn! If you're a LINC graduate, the LINC CPD Programme is currently accepting new registrations. 💡 Join our final online information session tomorrow, Tuesday 25 February, at 7:30 pm to discover how the LINC CPD Programme can help you advance your skills. 📌 Register for the information session: eventbrite.ie/e/125636427235… 📌 Apply for the LINC CPD Programme: lincprogramme.ie/apply-now-l… ⏳ Applications close this Friday, 28 February, at 4:00 pm! #LINCCPD #LINCGraduates #LINCProgramme

📢 LINC Programme Hosts Record-Breaking Webinar on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Updated Aistear Framework On February 12th, the LINC Programme welcomed over 1,000 registrants to a record-breaking webinar exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the updated Aistear Framework. Dr. Sharon Skehill and Lorraine Farrell from the @NCCAie led an engaging discussion, providing attendees with valuable insights into the recent updates and how to integrate them into practice. Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of LINC, shared: "This session saw our highest-ever attendance, demonstrating the sector’s strong commitment to continuous professional learning in inclusion." 🎥 Missed the webinar? Watch the full recording here: youtu.be/sMeqpd-idpw?feature… 📖 Read more: lincprogramme.ie/linc-progra… #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Aistear #LINCProgramme

The LINC Team would like to congratulate Dr. Lisha O’Sullivan, Professor Emer Ring, Dr. Maurice Harmon, and Marie Ryan from Mary Immaculate College on their latest publication. Their research explores the role of play in primary education and how Ireland’s new Primary Curriculum Framework aims to strengthen the connection between preschool and school through playful learning. Read more here: 👉 j-ces.com/index.php/jces/art… #EducationalResearch #PlayfulLearning #LINCProgramme

Earlier this week, our National Coordinator, @ClaireButterly3, had the pleasure of representing the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme at the British Early Childhood Education Research Association (@BECERAssoc). Claire presented key research findings from our Final Evaluation of Phase One of the LINC Programme, as well as insights from the Phase Two Case Studies, both of which highlight the voice of the child in inclusive early years settings. For more information on the LINC Programme, visit our website: 👉 lincprogramme.ie #LINCProgramme #InclusionInEarlyYears #BECERA2025 #EarlyYearsResearch #VoiceOfTheChild