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

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant (SEA) performs highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. The position is 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. Duties adapt to the assigned population and may include fostering early-childhood development, supporting academic access in grades 4K–12, providing supplementary aids and services specified in students’ IEPs and behavior or regulation plans, and coaching vocational independence for students ages 18–21. The population served varies by location and assignment. The SEA supports instruction and student independence, implements positive behavior strategies and safety procedures, supervises students in school and community settings, and provides personal care and physical assistance as needed. The role also includes collecting and documenting student progress data, communicating updates to families and teams, collaborating with multidisciplinary staff and outside agencies, and preparing classroom, sensory, or vocational environments. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. This is a 0.8 FTE, school-based position at Leopold Elementary for the 2026–27 school year. It is required to be in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal. Work may occur in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather, and may require travel within the district and to off-site meetings. Starting compensation is $25.47 per hour on the 2026–27 salary schedule; the position is non-exempt.

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 education 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 inclusive practices, and maintain high expectations for all students.
Be able to 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 alignment with district-mandated training.
Operate and troubleshoot adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks, 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 and collaborate effectively with teachers and multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining schedules.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, often up to 50 pounds or more depending on District policy, and assist with orthopedic equipment such as wheelchairs and standers.
Stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods and keep pace with students during transitions, recess, and community outings.
Work effectively in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity while remaining focused on 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 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.
Have manual dexterity to operate office or medical equipment and handle small instructional tools.

Responsibilities

Support play-based learning and foundational skills in early childhood settings, including tool use and letter recognition.
Implement modified curricula and intervention strategies to support student independence in general education environments.
Provide on-site vocational job coaching for students ages 18–21, break tasks into manageable steps, and fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted learning and literacy 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, bus loading and unloading, classroom activities, transitions, and community or workplace activities.
Adapt physical and social environments to support belonging and student engagement.
Monitor students proactively, maintain appropriate positioning and line of sight, anticipate safety risks, and recognize signs of behavioral or medical distress.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings or medications as specified by health plans.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, and coach students in using communication devices to express their needs.
Follow sanitation and personal protective equipment requirements.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational transition metrics as directed by teachers.
Contribute daily updates to family communication tools and team records while maintaining FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies, including DVR, and provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize learning or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
Attend district and school functions, complete required training, build relationships with business partners, and perform other assigned duties.