School Principal – Whitney Hall School

Hamden, CT | Full-Time | Exempt

Lead a School Where Every Student Can Thrive

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.

Why Join Us?

At The Children’s Center of Hamden, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Supportive School Environment – Lead a program designed for individualized student support and meaningful relationship-building.

Meaningful Leadership Impact – Shape instructional practices, school culture, and student outcomes every day.

Collaborative Treatment Team – Partner closely with teachers, clinicians, and program leadership so you’re never working in a silo.
Retirement & Long-Term Security – Access to a 403(b) retirement plan, Social Security benefits, and Teacher’s Retirement eligibility where applicable.

Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one of our medical plan options, The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), making quality healthcare affordable and accessible.

️ Generous Paid Time Off – Sick, personal time, and school breaks so you can recharge and maintain balance.

Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a school community dedicated to student success and teacher well-being.

What You’ll Do

As 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 Team

If 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.

The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site