Special Education Assistant (SEA) - East - 0.925 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for a Special Education Assistant (SEA) position. This role is crucial in supporting students with disabilities across various developmental stages, from early childhood to transition services for young adults. The SEA will work under the direction of a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff, adapting to the specific needs of assigned students. This includes fostering foundational development, supporting academic access, providing supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs), assisting with behavior support and regulation plans, and coaching vocational independence. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, aiming to ensure every school is a thriving environment for all students, families, and staff. The district serves a diverse student population and is dedicated to creating a challenging and rewarding work environment that supports employee career paths and reflects the diversity of its students.

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 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.
Good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

Nice To Haves

Experience with early childhood education.
Experience with job coaching or vocational training.
Experience with adaptive materials and assistive technology.
Experience with behavior intervention plans and de-escalation techniques.
Experience with data collection and documentation.
Experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
Experience working with diverse student populations, including English Language Learners and students from low-income households.

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), performing task analysis and fading support.
Prepare adapted materials for inclusive literacy to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and 'safe space' procedures.
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 intentional positioning, scanning the environment for risks, and providing a safety net.
Perform frequent headcounts and maintain 'reach-close' proximity during playground transitions or high-sensory play.
Strategically move throughout the room during lessons, maintaining 'line of sight' for all students, and recognizing early precursors to behavioral or medical distress.
Utilize 'discreet shadowing' at community job sites to monitor 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 to advocate for their needs.
Maintain strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage.
Record objective data for student programming, IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics.
Provide information for notebooks, 'Home-to-School' folders, or electronic logs for daily updates to families and teams.
Ensure FERPA/HIPAA compliance regarding all student records.
Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on modification effectiveness.
Prepare sensory kits and organize learning or vocational environments.
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.