Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Franklin - 0.8 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant (SEA) works under the direct or general supervision of a building principal or department leader and the daily direction of a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff. The role provides specialized support to students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. Assignments vary by location and may involve fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in grades 4K–12, providing supplementary aids and services under students’ IEPs and behavior or regulation plans, or coaching vocational independence in transition services for ages 18–21. The SEA supports instruction and learning, implements positive behavior strategies, supervises students, assists with personal care and mobility, collects and communicates student progress information, and collaborates with school teams and community partners. The position is 0.8 FTE at Franklin Elementary, with a starting compensation of $25.47 per hour on the 2026–27 salary schedule. It is non-exempt and school-based positions are in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal. Work may take place in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather, and may require travel to other district locations and off-site meetings. The Madison Metropolitan School District describes its commitment to an anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive environment, and seeks staff who contribute to a welcoming environment for students, families, and staff. The district serves more than 25,000 students and emphasizes academic achievement, thriving schools, and the success of Black youth.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: hold an associate degree; have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school; or pass an onsite District assessment in lieu of either qualification.
Hold a current Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015), or obtain one within a timeframe determined by the District.
Understand special education terminology and maintain high expectations for students.
Be able to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional.
Remain calm and professional in high-stress situations and implement positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols, consistent with district-mandated training.
Operate and troubleshoot adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks while maintaining student dignity.
Record objective academic and behavioral data and maintain student confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA.
Communicate effectively and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining schedules.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, often up to 50 pounds or more depending on district policy, and assist with orthopedic equipment.
Stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods and keep pace with students during transitions, recess, and community outings.
Work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity while maintaining focus on student safety and engagement.
Recognize changes in students’ physical health or emotional state and promptly alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including using personal protective equipment when necessary.
Safely assist students with loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trips.
Engage in ongoing training on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.
Work in person in school-based assignments unless otherwise directed by the building principal; travel to district locations or off-site meetings as required.

Responsibilities

Support early-childhood learning through play-based activities and scaffold foundational skills such as tool use and letter recognition.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to support student independence in general education settings.
Provide on-site job coaching for transition-age students; break vocational tasks into manageable steps and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted literacy materials, visual schedules, and communication boards to support access to learning content.
Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans, safe-space procedures, emotional regulation supports, and district-approved safety protocols.
Supervise students during lunch, recess, field trips, and school-bus loading and unloading; maintain proactive awareness and respond to safety risks or signs of distress.
Modify physical and social environments to foster belonging and student engagement in classroom and community activities.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings or medications as directed by health plans, while protecting student privacy and dignity.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, and coach students in using communication devices to advocate for their needs.
Follow sanitation protocols and use personal protective equipment as required.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational metrics as directed by teachers.
Contribute information to student notebooks, home-to-school folders, or electronic logs to update families and teams.
Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality, including requirements concerning students who have reached the age of majority.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies, including DVR, and provide feedback on modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize learning or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners, attend relevant district and school functions, complete required district training, and perform other duties as assigned.