The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Butterly as its new National Coordinator.
Claire commenced her role on Monday, 4 November, bringing with her extensive professional and academic experience in early childhood education and care, coupled with a deep passion for advancing inclusion and professional development within the sector.
With a career spanning various roles, Claire’s dedication to children and families is evident. Her experience includes quality mentoring on early childhood programmes, tutoring, and leading content development for the LINC+ CPD Programme. Claire initially joined the LINC Programme as a tutor from 2016 to 2021 before progressing to Lead Content Developer and tutor for the LINC+ CPD Programme. In 2022, she expanded her expertise as a Professional Practice Placement Coordinator at South East Technological University, and now returns to LINC as National Coordinator.
Claire hails from Gorey, Co. Wexford. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and Care and an MA in Child, Youth and Family Studies, both from IT Carlow. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Mentoring, Management and Leadership in Early Years at TUD and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education through Research at Mary Immaculate College. Her research focuses on the recruitment role and function of educators funded under the Access and Inclusion Model.
In response to her appointment, Claire Butterly shared her excitement and vision for the future: “I am thrilled to return to the LINC Programme and the LINC+ CPD Programme as National Coordinator. The LINC Programme has played a pivotal role in transforming the early childhood sector by equipping educators with the expertise to reflect on and strengthen their inclusive culture and pedagogy. The Programme’s foundation is further enriched through the CPD initiative, where Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) come together in Communities of Practice to build their skills and knowledge. I look forward to working with the LINC team to continue inspiring and supporting the next generation of educators, ensuring that the inclusion of all children remains a central focus in early childhood education.”
Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College, welcomed Claire’s appointment, stating: “On behalf of the dedicated LINC Team and all our colleagues at Mary Immaculate College, I extend a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to Claire Butterly as the new National Director of the LINC Programme. Having worked closely with Claire in the past, I can attest to her unwavering commitment to developing high-quality professional learning opportunities. Her extensive expertise and experience will significantly enhance the LINC Programme’s national and international reputation. The LINC Programme encourages us to view the world through the lens of neurodiversity, recognising that differences are strengths. With Claire’s leadership, the programme will continue to create equal opportunities for all children to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland and Chair of the LINC Steering Committee, also expressed her enthusiasm and support for Claire’s appointment: “On behalf of the LINC Steering Committee and all my colleagues at Early Childhood Ireland, I am delighted to congratulate and welcome Claire Butterly as the new National Coordinator of the LINC Programme. Claire’s extensive background in early childhood education and care, combined with her passion for advocating for the sector, will be an incredible asset to LINC. The LINC Programme has had a significant impact in advancing the inclusion of children and professionalising the early years sector. I am confident that Claire’s leadership will build on this success and continue to drive the inclusion of all children in early childhood education.”
Niamh Fortune, Head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, echoed these sentiments with her own warm congratulations: “On behalf of Maynooth University, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Claire Butterly on her appointment as National Coordinator of the LINC Programme. We are excited to continue collaborating with LINC colleagues under Claire’s leadership. Her extensive experience and strong commitment to the field of early childhood education make her the ideal person to lead the programme and further its impact.”
The LINC Programme is a pioneering initiative dedicated to enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Ireland. It equips educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to create inclusive learning environments that foster the inclusion and participation of every child. Graduates from the LINC Programme make a difference in the lives of children and their families, ensuring that all children have access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood education.
Participants and employers can access the LINC Programme at no cost, thanks to funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). Those working in settings with an ECCE contract can nominate a staff member for the LINC Programme, provided the nominee holds a full Level 5 Award or higher in a relevant discipline.
Further information on the LINC Programme can be found at www.lincprogramme.ie
