Head of School - The Canopy School - Ridgeland, 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

The Head of School - Position Overview

• The Head of School is responsible for administration of The Canopy School educational services provided to the students.
• The Head of School 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 Head of School must hire, train, and manage all staff.
• The Head of School maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• The Head of School establishes positive relationships with donors and possible feeder entities in conjunction with Advancement staff.
• The Head of School complies with the chain of command.

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.
•  Assure that all students are appropriately assessed.
•  Facilitate the development of annual Individualized Educational Programs or Individualized Service Plans for students.
• Participate in all IEP Meetings as the organization representative for the school.
•  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 current education/training in the areas of: special education, learning disabilities, emotionally disturbed, ADHD, special education trends, special education laws, and curriculum design.

Administrative Support

• Provide regular 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.
• Ensure that instructional objectives for a given subject and/or classroom are developed, and involve the staff and others in the development of specific curricular objectives to meet the needs of the school program.
• Orient and assist new staff members and provide opportunities for their input in the school program.
• Develop procedures for school process such as lesson plans, weekly parent communication, substitute procedures, sub folders, grading submission timelines, student behavior, transportation organization and flow, safety protocols and drills, medicine storage and administration, and all other necessary processes for a strong and orderly school environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Principal Responsibilities

• Implement the school curriculum for students The Canopy School.
• Furnishes the necessary supplies and instructional aides to staff for the improvement of instruction.