Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Emerson - 0.337 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant performs highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan, 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. 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 required by student IEPs and behavior or regulation plans, or coaching vocational independence in transition services for ages 18–21. The role supports instruction and student independence; implements positive behavior strategies and safety procedures; supervises students in school and community settings; provides personal care and physical assistance; collects and documents student progress and care information; and collaborates with educators, related-service providers, families, community agencies, and business partners. The position requires in-person work at school-based locations unless otherwise directed by the building principal, and may involve travel to other district locations, community work sites, and off-site meetings. The role is non-exempt and 0.337 FTE.

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 requirement.
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 inclusive practices, and maintain high expectations for students.
Be able to adapt 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 in alignment with district-mandated training.
Operate and troubleshoot high- and low-tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care, including diapering, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings, while maintaining student dignity.
Record objective academic and behavioral data accurately and maintain confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
Communicate effectively and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers and OT, PT, and SLP staff.
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 remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
Recognize changes in a student's physical health or emotional state and promptly alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including using PPE 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 at school-based positions unless otherwise directed by the building principal; travel to district locations and off-site meetings may be required.

Responsibilities

Support play-based learning and foundational skills in early childhood settings, and reinforce academic learning through modified curricula and intervention strategies in grades 4K–12.
Provide job coaching at community work sites for transition-age students, analyze vocational tasks, and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted instructional and literacy 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 work-site activities.
Adapt physical and social environments to promote student belonging, engagement, and safety; maintain active supervision and respond to signs of behavioral or medical distress.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating assistance, diapering, potty training, bathroom assistance, tube feedings, and medication administration as directed by health plans, while protecting student privacy and dignity.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, standers, and gait trainers; support students in using communication devices.
Follow sanitation and hygiene procedures, including use of personal protective equipment when required.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational progress as directed by teachers.
Contribute to family and team communications through notebooks, home-to-school folders, or electronic logs, while maintaining FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, external agencies, and business partners; provide feedback on student performance and the effectiveness of modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize classroom, learning, or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
Attend district and school functions, complete required district training, and perform other duties as assigned.