The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provides universal and targeted supports to Early Learning and Care settings that focus on the needs of the individual child, with a focus on the inclusion of the individual child. AIM helps these settings create an inclusive environment and provides supports to children to meaningfully participate in Early Learning and Care, including their ECCE programme. Children can apply for AIM support for attendance at full-day Early Learning and Care settings.
 
AIM is a cross-Government programme, led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCECIY) initiative, administered by Pobal.
 
.A national team of Better Start AIM Early Years Specialists provide expert educational advice and mentoring to the Educators to support the inclusion of children.
 
What is expert educational advice and mentoring from an Early Years Specialist?
 
The Better Start AIM Early Years Specialists provide tailored and practical early learning advice to the setting, to enable your child’s participation, based on her/his strengths and interests.
 
The advice provided by the Early Years Specialist is based on the child’s needs and is not diagnosis-led. Early Learning and Care settings are supported to build their capacity and create an inclusive setting for all children.
 
The AIM Early Years Specialists use the national frameworks of Síolta and Aistear to develop specific goals and an Access and Inclusion Plan to support your child in the Early Learning and Care setting.
 
How can I apply for educational advice and mentoring for a child in my ELC service?
Applying for educational advice and mentoring is a simple process. An application to AIM is made by the setting completing an Access and Inclusion Profile for the child, in partnership with the child’s parents. This can be done through the Early Years Hive. Completed AIM application acknowledgment by the parent is required to process the application. Once the application is successfully submitted, you can expect to receive a phone call from an Early Years Specialist.
 
For more information: Visit Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) website
 
See: Guidance notes on completing the Access and Inclusion Profile