Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Whitehorse - 0.386 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for a Special Education Assistant (SEA) position. This role involves performing highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan, adapting to specific needs to foster development, support academic access, provide supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs), offer behavior support, and coach vocational independence. The exact population served will vary depending on the location and assignment. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, aiming to ensure every school is a thriving environment for all students, families, and staff.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements: Have an Associate’s Degree, Have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school, or Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of meeting one of the requirements above.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015). The incumbent must have a current license or obtain a license within a timeframe determined by the District.
Understanding of special education terminology and the ability to maintain high expectations for all students.
Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional to support diverse learning styles.
Ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols; aligned with district-mandated training.
Skill in operating and troubleshooting high- and low-tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Ability to perform sensitive personal care tasks, including diapering, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings, while maintaining student dignity.
Skill in recording objective academic and behavioral data (such as ABC logs) and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (OT, PT, SLP, and teachers) to provide feedback on student performance.
Ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule.
Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more depending on district policy) and assist with orthopedic equipment like wheelchairs and standers.
Ability to stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods; ability to keep pace with students during transitions, recess, or community outings.
Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity, while remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
Ability to recognize subtle changes in a student’s physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff immediately.
Commitment to following strict health and sanitation policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
Ability to safely assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trip environments.
Willingness to engage in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Nice To Haves

Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

Responsibilities

Support learning through play-based activities for Early Childhood (4K) students, including navigating centers and scaffolding foundational skills.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence within the general education environment for Academic Reinforcement (4K-12).
Provide on-site job coaching at community work-sites for Transition (Ages 18-21) students, performing task analysis and fading support.
Prepare adapted materials for Inclusive Literacy to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and 'safe space' procedures, including supporting emotional regulation and behavioral success.
Provide high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and the loading/unloading of school buses.
Coach professional workplace etiquette and social cues.
Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster a sense of belonging and increase student engagement.
Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students through intentional positioning, scanning the environment to anticipate risks, and providing a safety net.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications per health plans, ensuring dignity and respect.
Assist with student transfers and the application of adaptive devices (wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers).
Coach students to use high- or low-tech communication devices.
Maintain strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage.
Record objective data for student programming, IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and transition plan metrics.
Provide information for notebooks, 'Home-to-School' folders, or electronic logs for daily updates to families and teams.
Ensure absolute FERPA/HIPAA compliance regarding all student records.
Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on modifications.
Prepare sensory kits and organize the learning or vocational environment.
Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Attend district and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
Complete any and all district-required training.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners.