Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1667. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when an Access and Inclusion Model, AIM, Level 7 will be approved for a child in a day care centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37966/17]
View answerThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports to enable children with a disability to access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. The degree of support provided depends on the needs of the child in the context of the pre-school service they are attending.
A preschool provider, in partnership with a parent, can apply for AIM Level 7 - additional capitation. Where the AIM Early Years Specialist considers that a Level 7 support is critical to a child's participation in the preschool setting, they will further consider the degree of Level 7 support required having regard to whether the child has complex or highly complex needs. Where a child is deemed to have complex needs, payment of Level 7 capitation at the lower rate will enable the setting to supplement their staffing by 10 additional staff hours per week. Where a child is deemed to have highly complex needs, payment of Level 7 capitation at the higher rate will enable the setting to supplement their staffing by 15 additional staff hours per week. This can be used to reduce the adult to child ratio in the preschool room or can be used to buy in additional assistance.
I understand that the AIM Level 7 application in respect of this child has been assessed by the Early Years Specialist and is with Pobal for appraisal. A decision is expected to be communicated to the parents and pre-school provider within the coming week.
