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School Principal - Whitney Hall School📍 Hamden, CT | 🕒 Full-Time | Exempt
Lead a School Where Every Student Can ThriveThe 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.
What You'll DoAs
School Principal, you will:
- 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
What We're Looking For- CT Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (Endorsement #092) and
- 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
Physical & Work Environment Requirements- Ability to perform light to moderate lifting, standing, walking, bending, and other physical tasks as needed
- Potential exposure to bodily fluids and other environmental hazards in a school-based setting
Join Our TeamIf you are a passionate educational leader committed to supporting students and building a strong school community, we encourage you to apply and make a meaningful impact at Whitney Hall School.
