AIM 2021/22 and EWSS

Under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) Programme Rules, the wages of an employee may be supported through either the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) or AIM Level 7 capitation, but not both.  It is open to a service provider to decide whether EWSS or AIM Level 7 funding is most advantageous to them.

While EWSS has been extended until 31 December 2021 and current arrangements apply unchanged until the end of Quarter 3, the arrangements for Quarter 4 will not be announced until September.

Service providers that have a child with a disability attending the Early Childhood Care and Education  (ECCE) programme during the year 2021/22 and choose to opt for EWSS funding (instead of AIM Level 7 funding) are encouraged to complete an application for AIM Level 7 also, so that their application can be assessed well in advance.    Completing the application for AIM Level 7 funding mitigates the risk of a gap in funding for providers who opt for EWSS, but who are likely to lose EWSS at some point during the programme year 2021/22.

Applying for AIM support now will also allow such services to benefit from educational advice and support under AIM Level 4 while in receipt of EWSS.  Once approved for AIM Level 7 funding for 2021/22 programme, the provider must advise Pobal they are opting for EWSS instead and the AIM Level 7 will be withdrawn until such time as EWSS support ends.Service providers who have a child that is eligible for a second-year extension for 2021/22 and withdrew last year due to EWSS, can apply for their second-year extension support now. However, where a service opts to continue with EWSS funding, AIM Level 7 funding will be allocated from 1 January 2022 (or on the  date EWSS ceases for that service.)

Should you have any queries in relation to the AIM, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre by raising a Request on Hive.