Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Henderson - 0.4 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant (SEA) supports students with disabilities 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 work is tailored to the assigned student population and may include fostering early-childhood development, supporting academic access in 4K–12, providing supplementary aids and services specified in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supporting behavior and regulation plans, or coaching vocational independence in transition services for ages 18–21. The role includes instructional and academic assistance; behavioral intervention and active student supervision; personal care, mobility, and adaptive-technology support; data collection and documentation; collaboration with multidisciplinary teams; and logistical support for classroom, community-based, and vocational activities. School-based positions are in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal. The role may involve travel to different district locations and off-site meetings, as well as work in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather. This is a 0.4 FTE position with starting compensation of $25.47 per hour.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: hold an associate degree; have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school; or pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of either requirement.
Hold a 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.
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.
Operate and troubleshoot adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks while maintaining student dignity.
Accurately record academic and behavioral data and maintain student confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with teachers and multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, potentially 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 a student’s physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including using personal protective equipment when necessary.
Assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trips.
Engage in ongoing training on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Responsibilities

Support early-childhood learning through play-based activities and scaffold foundational skills.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to support student independence in general education settings.
Provide on-site job coaching for students ages 18–21, break vocational tasks into manageable steps, and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted literacy and learning materials, including recorded books, visual schedules, and communication boards.
Assist with positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans, safe-space procedures, emotional regulation, and district-approved safety protocols.
Supervise students during lunch, recess, field trips, school-bus loading and unloading, classroom activities, transitions, and community or workplace settings.
Adapt physical and social environments to promote student belonging and engagement.
Provide personal care, including changing, dressing, eating assistance, diapering, potty training, bathroom assistance, and tube feeding or medication administration in accordance with health plans.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive devices, and coach students in using communication devices to advocate for their needs.
Follow sanitation and personal protective equipment protocols.
Record objective data on IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational metrics as directed by teachers.
Contribute information to family and team updates through notebooks, home-to-school folders, or electronic logs.
Protect student-record confidentiality and comply with FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies on student supports and modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize classroom, 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 district and school functions, complete required district training, and perform other duties as assigned.