Job Title: Director of the Parent-Infant Program Position 

Status: Exempt Reports To: Executive Director 

Last Updated: March 6, 2025     

Position Description: Director of the Parent-Infant Program 

The Director of the Parent-Infant Program at Sunshine Cottage is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all services for families of children with hearing impairments from birth to age three. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role requires expertise in hearing impairment, including amplification systems, cochlear implants, and listening, language, and speech development. Additionally, the position demands a strong understanding of educational approaches, counseling, parenting, and typical child development. The Director is ultimately accountable for ensuring the effective implementation of all activities, policies, and procedures within the Parent-Infant Program, ensuring high-quality support and guidance for the children and families served.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Family Engagement & Enrollment
    • Schedule and lead school and Parent-Infant Program tours for families of infants diagnosed with hearing loss.
    • Enroll families in the Parent-Infant Program and assign them to Parent-Infant Advisors.
  2. Assessment & Program Oversight
    • Ensure formal assessments are conducted every six months for each child in the Parent-Infant Program (DAYC2, MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, and Communication Matrix).
    • Manage the distribution and implementation of eCASLLS within the department.
    • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of program operations.
  3. Collaboration & Staff Supervision
    • Work closely with other departments to ensure coordinated service delivery.
    • Supervise Parent-Infant Advisors and Parent-Infant Program Assistant by managing schedules, case assignments, department meetings, and office operations.
    • Meet weekly, or as needed, with each Parent-Infant Advisor to review family progress and service delivery.
    • Conduct annual evaluations of Parent-Infant Program staff.
  4. Audiology & Transition Support
    • Coordinate family distribution with the Audiology Department and provide all enrollment details to the assigned audiologist.
    • Attend transition meetings for children exiting the Parent-Infant Program to ensure a smooth transition to their next educational setting.
  5. Budget & Grant Management
    • Develop and oversee the department budget.
    • Provide necessary data for grant applications related to hearing health and the Parent-Infant Program.
    • Oversee grant implementation and contribute to mid-year and final reports as required.
  6. Community Outreach & Professional Development
    • Build partnerships with early childhood service providers, medical professionals, nonprofits, and other relevant agencies.
    • Represent the Parent-Infant Program and Sunshine Cottage at local, state, and national meetings.
    • Prepare and deliver webinars, live presentations, and professional development materials for distribution.
  7. Organizational Involvement & Other Responsibilities
    • Attend Leadership Meetings to provide program updates to the team and Executive Director.
    • Participate in all required school meetings and events.
    • Manage program materials, including inventory, stocking, and purchasing.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the job.

Education and/or Experience: 

  • Individual must possess a degree in Deaf Education, Hearing Science, Speech-Language Pathology, Special Education or a related field. Certification as a LSL Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist or LSL Certified Auditory-Verbal Educator preferred. Additional certifications or credentials related to deaf education, early intervention, or speech and language development are preferred.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in early intervention programs, deaf education, speech and language development, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a relevant setting, such as early childhood education, special education, or family support services for children with hearing impairments.

Special Knowledge/Skills

  • Extensive knowledge of hearing impairment, amplification systems, and listening, language and speech development.
  • Demonstrated strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and educate diverse audiences, including families, educators and community stakeholders.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; hear and have good vision.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move 0-30 lbs.

If interested, please go to www.sunshinecottage.org and download our application and send the completed application to hr@sunshinecottage.org.