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

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for a Special Education Assistant (SEA) position at Thoreau Elementary for the 26-27 school year. This is a 0.8 FTE, non-exempt position with a starting compensation of $25.47 per hour. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every student graduates high school ready for college, career, and community. The SEA will work under the supervision of a building principal or department leader and the daily direction of a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff. This role involves performing highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan, adapting to the specific needs of the assigned population. This includes fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in 4K-12, providing supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support, regulation plans, and coaching vocational independence for transition services.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements: Have an Associate’s Degree, Have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school, 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

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

Responsibilities

Support 'learning through play-based activities' by navigating centers and scaffolding foundational skills like tool use and letter recognition for Early Childhood (4K).
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, perform task analysis, and gradually fade support as the student gains mastery for Transition (Ages 18-21).
Prepare adapted materials such as recorded books, visual schedules, or communication boards to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level for Inclusive Literacy.
Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and 'safe space' procedures, including supporting students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district-approved techniques and safety protocols.
Provide high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and the loading/unloading of school buses, and 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 in classroom and community activities.
Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentionally positioning oneself to see and hear at all times, scanning the environment to anticipate risks and provide a safety net while still allowing for student growth.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications per health plans, ensuring all care is performed with the highest respect for privacy and age-appropriateness.
Assist with student transfers and the application of adaptive devices (wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers) and coach students to use high- or low-tech communication devices.
Maintain strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
Record objective data, as directed by CC Teachers, that can be used for the development of student programming, related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics (18-21).
Provide information contributing to notebooks, 'Home-to-School' folders or electronic logs to provide families and teams with daily updates on successes, care needs, and community performance.
Ensure absolute FERPA/HIPAA compliance regarding all student records.
Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on the effectiveness of 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 or their representatives or designees.
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.