ECI Program Director

About the role

The Program Director is responsible for administration and coordination of the grant and coordination of the grant. The Program Director serves as the liaison with the ECI State Office, supervises the Program's leadership team, coordinates services with other agencies, maintains quality assurance and continuous improvement and is responsible for developing staff training. The Program Director reports directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Lead, evaluate, and support ECI Program Staff
• Oversee the implementation of the ECI Program work plan, focusing on the following areas: Referral and Pre-enrollment, Developmental Screenings, Eligibility and Evaluation, IFSP Development, Service Delivery, Transition, Child and Family Outcomes, the Family Cost Share System, and Public Outreach.
• Coordinate and assess staff development programs, including pre-service and in-service training.
• Responsible for programmatic reporting and monitoring.
• Responsible for representing the agency in communication with HHSC ECI in addressing items that may need attention.
• Assure coordination among Service Divisions and with local agencies in the delivery of services for enrolled children and their families.
• As directed, represent the Agency in conferences and meetings regarding Program operations and review.
• Monitor expenditures and Program income monthly.
• Comply with ECI program policy and procedures.
• Complete the Early Childhood Intervention renewal application.
• Communicate in written or verbal form with state ECI personnel throughout the fiscal year.
• Manage the accuracy and timely submission of program timesheets, payroll, purchasing and related documents.
• Perform any other duty as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of supervisory or managerial experience in an early childhood intervention program or a similar program serving young children.
• Demonstrated experience in early childhood intervention services, including knowledge of best practices, program requirements, and service delivery models.
• Experience with compliance monitoring and reporting, including familiarity with relevant regulations and standards for early intervention programs.
• Experience in budget management, including monitoring expenditures and program income.
• Physical requirements: If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted. Light to medium physical duties include standing, walking, fine dexterity, reaching, bending, hearing, talking and vision. Must be able to lift thirty‑five pounds. Non‑physical demands include performing multiple tasks simultaneously and demonstrating ability to meet multiple deadlines. Must be able to utilize appropriate judgment in decision making and reaction in emergency situations. Must adhere to irregular schedules and work as a team member with other employees. Demonstration of leadership quality with fellow employees and clients is necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Special Education, Social Work, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Coursework or training in early intervention, developmental psychology, educational leadership, or program management.
• Must have ability to plan, direct, and review the work of management. Knowledge of organization and management.
• Must be willing to travel within the 11 counties.
• Preferred: Master's degree in early childhood education, Special Education, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Preferred: Additional certifications related to early intervention, child development, or program management (e.g., Certified Early Intervention Specialist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
• Preferred: Ongoing professional development related to early intervention services, leadership, or management.

Skills

• Experience in leading large teams or multi‑disciplinary groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, families, community partners, and government agencies.
• Skills in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and service providers.
• Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and managing program expenditures.
• Preferred: Advanced understanding of specific early intervention methodologies or therapeutic approaches.
• Preferred: Ability to use data and research findings to inform decision‑making and improve program outcomes.