School Principal

The Children s Center of Hamden Inc • Hamden, CT

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a dedicated and experienced School Principal to lead Whitney Hall School, a therapeutic educational program serving students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of school operations, instruction, and staff development while ensuring a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment. As Principal, you will work closely with educators, clinical staff, families, and leadership to drive student success, support staff growth, and ensure high-quality, compliant programming that meets the needs of every learner.

Requirements

• CT Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (Endorsement #092)
• Holds Special Education Certification (165) with the Connecticut Department of Education
• Background in special education strongly preferred
• Proven ability to lead, implement, and evaluate educational programming
• Strong knowledge of state and federal special education regulations
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and external partners

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all school-based programming, ensuring high-quality instruction and student achievement
• Supervise and support teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff to promote accountability and professional growth
• Lead curriculum development and instructional alignment with Connecticut state standards
• Implement educator evaluation systems, including SEED, and conduct staff evaluations
• Design and deliver professional development to support instructional excellence
• Oversee implementation of the Behavioral Management Plan in collaboration with clinical staff
• Collaborate with clinical teams to support student treatment planning and behavioral interventions
• Manage student referrals and maintain accurate student census and placement processes
• Coordinate state-mandated assessments and ensure compliance with all requirements
• Oversee student data systems, including CT SEDS, to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Develop and manage the school’s master schedule
• Oversee daily school operations, including arrival, transitions, and dismissal procedures
• Facilitate team meetings, including IST and grade-level collaboration meetings
• Partner with PRTF and Day School staff to ensure smooth student enrollment and transitions
• Build strong relationships with families and community partners
• Lead the review and implementation of school policies and the Student Handbook
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of staff
• Participate in IEP, PPT, and 504 meetings as needed
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Social Security benefits
• Teacher’s Retirement eligibility where applicable
• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs
• The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium on medical plan options
• Contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Sick, personal time, and school breaks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees