Special Education Assistant (0.7 FTE)/4K Education Assistant (0.1 FTE) - Lowell - 0.8 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant 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. This position is listed as 0.7 FTE Special Education Assistant and 0.1 FTE 4K Education Assistant, for a total of 0.8 FTE at Lowell Elementary for the 2026–27 school year. The student population and assignment may vary. Work may support early childhood development, academic access in 4K–12, implementation of student IEPs and behavior or regulation plans, and vocational independence for students ages 18–21. The assistant provides instructional and academic support, implements positive behavior strategies and safety procedures, supervises students, and assists with personal care, mobility, and adaptive technology. The role also includes collecting and documenting student progress data, communicating updates to families and teams, collaborating with educators and related-service professionals, preparing learning and vocational environments, and coordinating community-based schedules. School-based work is in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal; assignments may involve classrooms, living labs, job sites, outdoor settings, and travel to district locations or off-site meetings.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: have an associate degree, have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school, or pass an onsite District assessment in lieu of those requirements.
Hold a current Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015), or obtain one within the timeframe determined by the District.
Understand special education terminology and inclusive practices, and maintain high expectations for 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.
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.
Accurately record academic and behavioral data and protect confidential student information under FERPA and HIPAA.
Communicate effectively and collaborate with 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 under 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 effectively 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 PPE when necessary.
Assist students with the physical requirements of bus loading and unloading and navigating field-trip environments.
Participate in ongoing training on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.
Work in person in school-based assignments unless otherwise directed by the building principal; be able to work in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather, and travel to district locations or off-site meetings.

Responsibilities

Support early childhood learning through play-based activities and scaffold foundational skills such as tool use and letter recognition.
Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to promote student independence in general education settings.
Provide on-site vocational job coaching for students ages 18–21, break tasks into manageable steps, and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted literacy materials, visual schedules, recorded books, and communication boards so students can access content.
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.
Maintain active awareness of students, anticipate risks, recognize signs of behavioral or medical distress, and intervene or alert appropriate staff as needed.
Modify physical and social environments to foster belonging and increase engagement.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings or medications as specified in health plans, while protecting student dignity and privacy.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs, standers, and gait trainers; coach students in using communication devices.
Follow sanitation and personal protective equipment requirements.
Record objective data on IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational measures as directed by teachers.
Contribute information to home-to-school folders, notebooks, or electronic logs to update families and teams.
Maintain 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 training, and perform other duties as assigned.