The Better Start Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) 
 
The Better Start Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to help all children, regardless of ability to access quality early learning and care through the ECCE programme, and create a more inclusive culture in pre-schools. Children and pre-school staff benefit from AIM through universal supports for the sector, and targeted supports for individual children.

AIM is a child centred model of supports, based on the needs of the child and the service provider. The model is designed to be responsive to the needs of each individual child in the context of their pre-school setting.  It will offer tailored, practical supports based on need and will not require a formal diagnosis of disability.

Levels 1 – 3 of the model involve a suite of universal supports which are designed to promote and support an inclusive culture within pre-school settings by means of a variety of educational and capacity-building initiatives for providers and practitioners. International evidence suggests that these supports, when appropriately developed, are sufficient to support many children with disabilities.

However, where a service provider, in partnership with a parent, considers that some further additional support may be necessary to meet the needs of a particular child, they can apply for one or more targeted supports under levels 4 – 7 of the model. Additional targeted supports could take the form of expert early childhood care and educational advice and mentoring (level 4), specialised equipment, appliances and minor alterations (level 5), therapeutic supports (level 6) or additional capitation to fund extra assistance in the ECCE pre-school room (level 7). More information on these targeted supports is provided here Targeted Supports - Access and Inclusion Model

To visit the AIM website, click here