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

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

2d•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 role provides specialized support tailored to the assigned student population, which may include early childhood development, academic access and IEP services in grades 4K–12, or vocational independence in transition services for ages 18–21. The specific population served varies by location and assignment. The assistant supports instruction and inclusive access, implements positive behavior strategies and safety procedures, provides supervision and personal care, assists with mobility and adaptive technology, and collects student progress information. The position also collaborates with families, school staff, related-service providers, and community partners, and may travel between school, community, and vocational settings. School-based positions are in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

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 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 in line with district-mandated training.
Operate and troubleshoot adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks while maintaining student dignity.
Record objective academic and behavioral data accurately and maintain confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with teachers and multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, often 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, lighting, and activity while maintaining focus on student safety and engagement.
Recognize changes in students’ physical health or emotional state and promptly alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including use of personal protective equipment 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 varied settings, including classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather; travel to district locations and off-site meetings as required.
Be available to work in person for school-based assignments unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

Responsibilities

Support play-based learning and foundational skills in early childhood settings.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to support student independence and academic access.
Provide on-site job coaching for students ages 18–21, break vocational tasks into manageable steps, and fade support as skills develop.
Prepare adapted literacy and instructional materials, such as 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, and community or workplace activities.
Adapt physical and social environments to encourage belonging and engagement.
Maintain active supervision, anticipate safety risks, monitor student well-being, and intervene when needed.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, and tube feeding or medication administration according to health plans.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, standers, and gait trainers.
Coach students in using high- or low-tech communication devices to express their needs.
Follow sanitation and personal protective equipment procedures.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior, and vocational transition measures as directed by teachers.
Contribute to home-to-school communication and electronic or written logs for families and teams.
Protect student records and follow FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality requirements.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies regarding student supports and modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize learning or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out daily 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.