Every child deserves to experience early years education in a setting where they are fully included, supported and celebrated for who they are. For children with additional needs, the right support in the early years is not just helpful. It can be genuinely life-changing. This guide explains the AIM programme clearly, from how to apply to how to document your support plans.
What Is the AIM Programme?
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is Ireland's framework for supporting children with disabilities and additional needs to participate in the ECCE preschool programme. Since its launch in 2016, AIM has supported tens of thousands of children to attend their local preschool alongside their peers.
AIM is built on a clear vision: every child with a disability has the right to attend their local preschool with whatever supports are needed to make full participation possible. It is child-centred and needs-led, meaning support is based on what each specific child needs, not on the name or category of their diagnosis.
AIM Levels 1 to 7 Explained
Level 1: Inclusive Culture, Policies and Practice
Universal online resources, guidance and training to help all ECCE settings develop an inclusive ethos and learning environment. Available to every participating service.
Level 2: Continuing Professional Development
Training for practitioners in inclusive practice, communication, sensory needs, behaviour support and working with specific conditions. Available to all ECCE practitioners.
Level 3: Equipment and Appliances
Funding for specialised equipment that a specific child needs to participate, such as specialist seating, communication devices or sensory tools.
Level 4: Specialist Staff Support
Access to specialists who can provide advice, training and guidance to your team on supporting a specific child in your setting.
Level 5: Therapeutic Supports
Dedicated therapeutic input from specialists working directly with children in the preschool setting where in-setting therapy is identified as necessary.
Level 6: Enhanced Supervision
Additional capitation funding to lower the adult-to-child ratio, giving your team more capacity to support a child who needs closer supervision throughout the day.
Level 7: Targeted Support Worker
A dedicated, additional support worker funded by AIM to work specifically with the child during their preschool programme. This is the most intensive level of AIM support.
How to Apply for AIM Supports
- Talk with the family first. Before submitting any application, have an open and honest conversation with the child's parents or guardians. Consent and family collaboration are central to AIM at every level.
- Complete the AIM application form available through the Better Start website. The form captures information about the child's needs and the specific supports being requested. For Levels 3 to 7, supporting professional reports may be required.
- Submit through the POBAL PIP portal. All AIM applications are submitted electronically through PIP. Ensure your service profile is fully current before submitting.
- Assessment by Better Start. A Better Start co-ordinator will review your application. For Levels 5 to 7, a more detailed assessment process involving specialists may be initiated.
- Approval and implementation. Confirmed supports are put in place. Equipment is sourced through the scheme and Support Workers are contracted through your service.
AIM applications for the ECCE year should ideally be submitted well in advance of the child's September start date. Apply in spring. Last-minute applications cause delays that mean supports may not be in place when the child begins, which can significantly affect their settling-in period.
Working with the NCSE
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) plays an increasingly important role in supporting children with additional needs in early years settings. NCSE Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) can be a valuable resource, providing advice on supports available for specific children, liaison with health and therapy services, information on transition planning from preschool to primary school, and guidance on reasonable accommodation obligations. Building a relationship with your local SENO before you urgently need to call on them is always a sound approach.
Reasonable Accommodation Obligations
Under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2018, early years settings have a legal duty to provide reasonable accommodation to children with disabilities. You cannot refuse a child entry simply because they have additional needs. The AIM programme is specifically designed to fund the accommodations required, removing the disproportionate burden argument in most cases.
How to Document Support Plans Properly
- Individual Profile: a document capturing the child's strengths, interests, communication style, triggers and what works well for them in the setting environment
- Inclusion Plan or Support Plan: a working document co-developed with the family and relevant professionals, outlining specific supports, goals and review dates
- AIM Application and Approval Documents: copies of all AIM correspondence kept securely on file and available for Tusla inspection
- Regular Observation Records: consistent observations of the child's participation and progress, shared with families at review meetings
- Review Notes: records of support plan review meetings with families including any changes made to the plan based on the child's evolving needs
Early Years Shop, part of the Canavan Byrne brand, provides child documentation tools, compliance resources and policy packs for Irish early years settings. Browse our full range at earlyyearsshop.ie.
Final Thoughts
Supporting children with additional needs is one of the most meaningful aspects of working in early years. When it is done well, with the right supports, the right attitude and genuine partnership with families, the impact on a child's confidence, development and life trajectory is profound. AIM is a powerful tool. Use it.
Early Years Shop is part of the Canavan Byrne brand and has the documentation tools, compliance resources and policy packs you need to provide excellent inclusive practice and meet your AIM obligations with confidence.
Visit earlyyearsshop.ie to browse our Records, Policies and Toolkits range and Risk Assessment Packs.
