Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Huegel - 0.33 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Special Education Assistant (SEA) for Huegel Elementary School, with a 0.33 FTE for the 26-27 school year. This role involves working with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan, adapting to specific needs such as fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in 4K-12, providing supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavior Support Plans, and coaching vocational independence for transition services. 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. 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.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree OR completion of 48 academic credits beyond high school OR pass an onsite assessment offered by the District.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015) - must have current license or obtain within a timeframe determined by the District.
Understanding of special education terminology and 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) 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 (4K), 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 (Ages 18-21), including performing task analysis and fading support.
Prepare adapted materials for inclusive literacy to ensure all students can access content.
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 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 active supervision, scanning the environment for risks, and providing a safety net.
Perform frequent headcounts and maintain proximity during playground transitions or high-sensory play.
Strategically move throughout the room during lessons, maintaining line of sight and recognizing early precursors to behavioral or medical distress.
Utilize 'discreet shadowing' at community job sites to ensure student safety without hindering independence.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications per health plans, with respect for privacy and age-appropriateness.
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 supporting MMSD's strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
Complete all district-required training.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners.