Key Points for the Access & Inclusion Model (AIM) Rules 2024/2025

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) Rules for 2024/2025 aim to ensure that children with additional needs can participate meaningfully in Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings, including the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The model includes several levels of support, ranging from universal to targeted, depending on the child’s and pre-school service’s needs.

Key Points of the AIM Rules for 2024/2025:

1. Eligibility and Registration:
   • Children eligible for AIM must be registered on the ECCE programme or have a National Childcare Scheme (NCS) claim in place for any hours payable under AIM additional hours (AIM -plus/ AIM non-term).
   • In order to apply for AIM additional hours, a child must be in receipt of AIM supports or have an AIM application in progress.
   • AIM does not require a formal diagnosis of disability; supports are based on a child’s needs​.
   • The maximum number of hours of support for which an AIM Level 7 additional assistance grant is available is 30 hours per week, including 15 hours of ECCE attendance. On a Daily basis, this will equate to ECCE hours plus 3 additional hours in-term (AIM Plus) and 6 hours out of-term (AIM non-term), or 6.5 hours for 41-week services. It is recommended that EY educators’ AIM contracts be reviewed to reflect this change in the terms and conditions of employment.  
   • As ratios tend to fluctuate throughout the day, services are encouraged to use their staffing resources, including staff funded under AIM level 7, to support children throughout the day.
2. AIM Support Levels:
   • Level 1: Inclusion Coordinators are trained to foster inclusive environments in pre-schools. Additional capitation is available for services with trained Inclusion Coordinators.
   • Level 4: Provides expert educational advice, mentoring, and support, including guidance via telephone or online applications.
   • Level 5: Offers specialised equipment or capital grants for minor alterations necessary to support children with disabilities in pre-schools.
   • Level 6: Provides therapy supports using a stepped care model, ranging from universal strategies to tailored one-on-one interventions.
   • Level 7: Additional capitation funding for pre-schools to reduce adult-to-child ratios, employ additional staff, or support children with complex needs​.
3. Application Process:
   • Applications for AIM support must be made through the EY HIVE platform by providers in partnership with parents/guardians. An Access and Inclusion Profile must be completed, detailing the child’s abilities, needs, and existing supports.
   • Applications can be made year-round, but it is advised to apply at least three months before the child’s start date to ensure timely processing​.
   • Additional capitation for services with an inclusion coordinator must be applied at the beginning of each year’s programme. It is also necessary to apply when a new Inclusion Coordinator commences this role in the service.
4. Compliance and Oversight:
   • Providers must adhere to the AIM Rules, ECCE Programme Rules, and National Childcare Scheme Policy Guidelines. Compliance visits are conducted without notice, and all relevant documentation must be available on-site for inspection​.
5. Use of AIM Funds:
   • AIM funds cannot be used to charge additional fees for children with disabilities beyond what is charged to other children. The support provided must strictly align with the needs identified in the Access and Inclusion Profile.
6. Complaints and Appeals:
   • A structured process is in place for complaints regarding AIM applications, decisions, or issues related to employment under AIM Level 7.

These rules emphasise a flexible, needs-based approach to supporting children with additional needs in early learning settings, ensuring their inclusion and meaningful participation.

We recommend all service providers read the AIM rules in full available at the following link: https://aim.gov.ie/aim-rules-for-2024-2025-programme-year-published/