Do we need a diagnosis to access AIM?

No. AIM is based on the child's needs in the preschool setting, and no diagnosis or assessment report is required.

The preschool provider applies, working together with you as the parent.

What can AIM provide?

Training and inclusive practice for the setting, and where needed specialist equipment, building adaptations, therapeutic input, or extra capitation for additional staffing.

Preschool

AIM — Access and Inclusion Model

AIM is how preschools in Ireland include children with disabilities — and it starts without any diagnosis or report.

AIM website

In short

AIM is a child-centred model that helps preschools include children with disabilities. Apply through your preschool provider...

What AIM is

The Access and Inclusion Model is a child-centred set of supports that helps preschools include children with disabilities in the ECCE programme. It is designed around the child's needs in that setting, not around a label.

Most of AIM is universal — training, guidance and inclusive practice that lifts the whole room. Targeted supports are added on top where a child needs them.

How to apply

You apply through your preschool provider, not directly. Talk to the room leader or manager and ask them to begin an AIM application with you.

Targeted supports can include specialist equipment, adaptations to the building, therapeutic input, or additional capitation so the setting can reduce the adult-to-child ratio.

No diagnosis or assessment report is needed to apply.

What helps the application

Describe the day rather than the child in general terms: drop-off, transitions, lunch, noise, group time, pick-up. What happens, what helps, what does not.

Ask what the setting has already tried. An application built with the staff, rather than handed to them, tends to move faster and works better afterwards.

UK families will recognise this as sitting somewhere between SEN Support in early years and Disability Access Funding.

Common questions

Do we need a diagnosis to access AIM?: No. AIM is based on the child's needs in the preschool setting, and no diagnosis or assessment report is required.
Who applies for AIM?: The preschool provider applies, working together with you as the parent.
What can AIM provide?: Training and inclusive practice for the setting, and where needed specialist equipment, building adaptations, therapeutic input, or extra capitation for additional staffing.

You don't have to work this out alone

Day-to-day parenting talk with people who get it, from preschool onwards. Join the Neurodivergent Parenting group — post anonymously if you'd rather.

Find your group