Center Support Manager

Job Title: Center Support Manager

• Location: Primarily McCaskey Child Development Center; may serve at any Lancaster Recreation Commission childcare program
• Reports To: McCaskey Child Development Center Director
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Hourly Range: $19 - $23 per hour, plus benefits

Position Summary

The Center Support Manager supports daily operations of the McCaskey Child Development Center — a blended, funded program operating under both Head Start Program Performance Standards and tuition-based childcare services offered by Lancaster Recreation Commission. Reporting directly to the Center Director, the Center Support Manager promotes operational excellence, safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality early childhood education.

This position ensures proper classroom ratios, assists with meals and facility support, tracks safety and security procedures, and provides behavioral health-informed guidance to staff and children. This role enhances Child & Family Services (CFS) programming across Lancaster Recreation Commission by providing support wherever program needs arise.

The Support Manager may be utilized at any Lancaster Rec-operated site or program, including McCaskey Child Development Center, Head Start, Pre-K Counts, School-Age Care (SAC), and other CFS programming. The position supports children’s development, staff effectiveness, program quality, behavioral needs, and overall program goals across all assigned locations.

Key Responsibilities

Head Start & Regulatory Compliance

• Support implementation of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS)
• while also meeting state childcare licensing and tuition-based program
• requirements.
• Help maintain compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• childcare licensing standards and CACFP nutritional requirements.
• Ensure documentation follows Head Start and licensing guidelines (incident
• reports, safety logs, ratio tracking, behavior plans).

Operational & Classroom Support

• Assist in maintaining required teacher-to-child ratios throughout the center.
• Float to classrooms to provide assistance during staff breaks, absences, and high-need times.
• Support structured daily routines, transitions, and educational activities aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).

Behavioral Health & Child Support

• Provide trauma-informed and behavior-support guidance grounded in best practices.
• Support de-escalation and positive behavior strategies consistent with Head Start’s social-emotional development goals.
• Help implement individualized behavior support plans in collaboration with teachers, families, and specialists.

Health, Safety & Security

• Conduct routine safety checks of classrooms, playgrounds, and shared areas.
• Support active supervision protocols and emergency preparedness drills.
• Monitor and assist with secure building access and safety procedures, including staff badge access.

Meals & Facility Support

• Assist with meal service following CACFP and Head Start nutrition standards.
• Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and adequate supplies across classrooms and common areas.

Leadership & Staff Support

• Work collaboratively with the Center Director and program leadership.
• Serve as interim Center Director in the case of Director absence.
• Coach and model best practices for staff related to behavior support and operational procedures.
• Engage in staff meetings, professional development, and Head Start training requirements.

Required Clearances & Certifications (Pennsylvania)

To comply with Pennsylvania childcare licensing and federal regulations, the employee must obtain and maintain the following before beginning work:

Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) Clearances:

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check
• FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check
• National Sex Offender Registry Verification

Child Care Consolidated Eligibility Letter (CEL): As required under federal child care regulations (45 CFR §98.43), demonstrating eligibility to work in a licensed childcare setting in Pennsylvania.

Current certification in Pediatric CPR and First Aid (infant/child) — employer may provide training or reimbursement.

Mandated Reporter training (as required by Head Start and state regulations).

Clearances must be renewed per Pennsylvania guidelines and Lancaster Recreation Commission policy.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health, Psychology, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Formal training or experience in behavioral health or trauma-informed practices.
• Experience working with young children (preferred birth–5).
• Knowledge of child development and safe supervision practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership support skills.

Preferred

• Experience in Head Start or blended funding early childhood settings.
• Training/certification in trauma-informed care and safe de-escalation consistent with policy.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Early Learning

Outcomes Framework.

• Bilingual abilities matching community needs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong focus on quality, safety, and compliance
• Solution-oriented and calm under pressure
• Ability to support inclusive and culturally responsive practices
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to provide support at multiple childcare sites

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent engagement at child level (sitting, kneeling, bending).
• Quick response capability during emergencies.

About Lancaster Recreation Commission / McCaskey Child Development Center

Lancaster Recreation Commission is dedicated to providing enriching opportunities for youth and families through high-quality childcare, early education, and community programming. McCaskey Child Development Center operates as a blended, funded program — delivering Head Start services alongside tuition-based care — to support school readiness, family engagement, and whole-child development.

Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• early childcare (infant - age 5): 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person