Submit AIM applications for 2025/2026 programme call

To ensure that Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) supports are in place for eligible children for the 2025/2026 programme call, we strongly encourage you to submit your AIM Level 4 and Level 7 applications as early as possible. It is important to note the expected processing timelines:

AIM Level 4 applications may take up to 4 weeks to process.
AIM Level 7 applications may take up to 12 weeks to process.

Please see below, important guidance notes when submitting an AIM Standard, AIM Plus and AIM Non-term applications:

AIM Standard Applications:

AIM Standard support is allocated for the duration of the ECCE programme call for 3 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Please ensure that the session the child will attend for AIM Standard is selected correctly. If the session selected is incorrect, the application will be referred back, which may lead to a delay in the processing of the application.
AIM Standard sessions must not overlap (fully or partially) with AIM Plus sessions.
Please ensure the child’s ECCE registration matches the number of days for which AIM Standard is being requested.
Please note that a ‘How-to’ guide is available here to support the submission of an AIM Standard application.

AIM Plus Applications:

In order to apply for AIM Plus, a service will need to submit an AIM Level 4 application. The child must have an AIM Level 7 Standard application in progress. Additionally, a child must be registered on the ECCE programme in an ECCE-registered ELC service and have a confirmed NCS claim in place.

AIM Plus is available for 3 hours per day during ECCE payable weeks. AIM Plus applications must be submitted for a minimum of 1 hour.
Please ensure that the session the child will attend for AIM Plus is selected correctly. If the session selected is incorrect, the application will be referred back, which may lead to a delay in the processing of the application.
AIM Plus sessions must not overlap (fully or partially) with AIM Standard sessions.

Please ensure the correct staff-to-child ratios are entered for the AIM Plus session in line with Tusla pre-school regulations. Please note, the staff-to-child ratios for your AIM Plus session may not be the same staff-to-child ratios for your ECCE session.

Maintenance of a reduced ratio does not apply for AIM Plus; additional assistance staff only applies. Please click here for guidance material on the additional questions on an AIM Plus application
Please note that a ‘How-to’ guide is available here to support the submission of an AIM Plus application.

AIM Non-term applications:

In order to apply for AIM Non-term, a service will need to submit an AIM Level 4 application. The child must have a Level 7 standard application in progress. Additionally, a child must be registered on the ECCE programme in an ECCE-registered ELC service and have a confirmed NCS claim in place.

AIM Non-term is available for 6 hours per day during ECCE non-payable weeks. AIM Non-term applications must be submitted for a minimum of 1 hour.

Please ensure that the session the child will attend for AIM Non-term is selected correctly. If the session selected is incorrect, the application will be referred back, which may lead to a delay in the processing of the application.
When submitting an AIM Non-term application, please include all dates the child will avail of AIM Non-term support for the 2025/2026 programme call. This may include October Mid-term, Christmas break, Easter break, and the summer period up until the end of your National Childcare Scheme (NCS) calendar (i.e., the final date your service is funded under NCS).
Please ensure the correct staff-to-child ratios are entered for the AIM Non-term session in line with Tusla pre-school regulations. Please note, the staff-to-child ratios for your AIM Non-term session may not be the same staff-to-child ratios for your ECCE session.
Maintenance of a reduced ratio does not apply for AIM Non-term; additional assistance staff only applies.
Please click here for guidance material on the additional questions on an AIM Non-term application.
Please note that a ‘How-to’ guide is available here to support the submission of an AIM Non-term application.

Support

Should you have any queries in relation to the AIM programme, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) by raising a Request using the following categories: