Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Capital High - 0.845 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for the role of Special Education Assistant (SEA). This position is crucial in supporting students with disabilities across various developmental stages, from early childhood to transition services for 18-21 year olds. The SEA will work under the direction of a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff, adapting to the specific needs of assigned students. This role involves fostering foundational development, supporting academic access, providing supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs), offering behavior support, and coaching vocational independence. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, aiming to ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and community. The district serves a diverse student population and strives to create a challenging, rewarding, and supportive work environment that reflects this diversity.

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.
Ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols.
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 and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team 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.
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

Good attitude
Willingness to learn
Passion for impactful work and learning
Actively contribute to MMSD's commitment to making it a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.
Commitment to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive.

Responsibilities

Support learning through play-based activities in early childhood settings, including navigating centers and scaffolding foundational skills.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence in the general education environment (4K-12).
Provide on-site job coaching at community work-sites for transition-aged students (18-21), performing task analysis and fading support.
Prepare adapted materials, such as recorded books and visual schedules, to ensure all students can access content.
Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and safe space procedures.
Provide high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and bus loading/unloading.
Coach professional workplace etiquette and social cues.
Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster belonging and increase student engagement.
Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students through intentional positioning, scanning the environment, and anticipating risks.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications.
Assist with student transfers and the application of adaptive devices.
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 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 learning or vocational environments.
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 supporting MMSD's strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
Complete all district-required training.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners.