Principal - CARES School - Hattiesburg, MS

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and family support solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward:

• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best

Canopy has been designated a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year, and is one of only eight companies in Mississippi to qualify for this certification in 2024-2025. Canopy’s employees are charged with building a healthy work culture within their teams, that focus on trust, and the collective goal of helping kids thrive and families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive Compensation
• 403b Retirement Plan with Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• PTO/Vacation
• Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services

Principal - Position Overview:

• The Principal is responsible for administration of the CARES School-Hattiesburg educational services. The Principal works with the staff to plan, organize and implement school activities and services, including operations, curriculum, scheduling, staff development, and development of individual education plans.  The Principal maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents. The Principal complies with established lines of authority.

Job Responsibilities:

Educational Responsibilities

• Monitor attendance reports monthly.
• Maintain records on the materials, supplies and equipment that are necessary to carry out the daily school routine. The principal involves the staff in determining priorities for instructional supplies.
• Maintain appropriate progress reports and report cards as scheduled.
• Facilitate the development of annual Individualized Educational Programs for Special Education Students.
• Establish and maintain a working relationship with all referral sources.
• Work with area colleges and universities to develop and implement internships and volunteer activities as a part of the school curriculum.
• Supervise interns and communicate with colleges and universities related to their responsibilities.
• Maintain IDEA standards and regulations within the school.

Administrative Support

• Provide weekly supervisory meetings with educational staff.
• Provide activities that facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program.
• Conceptualize the broad goals of the school and plan accordingly to ensure that procedures and schedules are implemented to carry out the total school program.
• Orient and assist new staff members and provide opportunities for their input in the school program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Principal Responsibilities

• Implement the school curriculum for students.
• Reports to the Regional Director, regarding the needs of the school with respect to personnel, equipment, supplies and curriculum.
• Furnishes the necessary supplies and instructional aides to staff for the improvement of instruction.
• Participates in and/or leads curriculum development activities commensurate with school and organization goals.
• Identifies curricular and extracurricular needs by analyzing current programs and student achievement.
• Regularly uses the results of student assessment data to identify problems and implement program improvements and/or pacing.
• Emphasizes student achievement as the primary outcome of schooling.
• Works with staff to systematically identify and respond to at risk students; makes referrals to appropriate organization personnel when needed.
• Models and facilitates good human relations skills; effectively interacts with others.
• Works to effectively:
  • Protect instructional time by minimizing interruptions to the instructional process.
  • Coordinate teacher and student schedules to promote maximum learning and minimize conflict.
  • Maintain high visibility in the school.
  • Provide for adequate supervision and acceptable student behavior at all school functions planned and operated by school personnel.
• Responsible for the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and evaluation of the school’s professionals, Behavioral-Educational Interventionist, support staff, volunteers and interns.
• Listens and responds to staff, student, and community concerns.
• Develops communications that reflect and support management team decisions in the implementation of Canopy Children’s Solutions policies.
• Effectively utilizes community resources and volunteers to promote student learning.
• Identifies problem areas and seeks solutions before crisis situations develop.
• Effectively delegates decision making and problem solving to appropriate personnel.
• Delegates’ authority to responsible personnel to assume responsibility for the school in the absence of the principal.
• Ensure that the requirements for the Educable Child Program are met.
• Submit Tuition Reimbursement Applications quarterly to the Department of Education.
• Submit quarterly attendance data, reimbursement reports, and invoices to MDE.
• Submit application and reimbursement forms for Extended School Year annually.
• Meet accreditation requirements and complete process to maintain accreditation on an annual basis.
• Supervises the cleanliness, maintenance and security of the building and all of its contents.

Organization and Community Training

• Train volunteers and interns on organization rules, policies and procedures prior to volunteer activities on campus.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of BS/BA degree in Special Education with a Master’s in Special Education preferred.

• License in Education Administration required.

• Three years teaching/supervision experience dealing with children and adolescents with learning and Emotional problems.