Special Education Assistant (SEA) - East - 0.938 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant (SEA) works 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 member. The role provides specialized support to students with disabilities across developmental stages, with duties tailored to the assigned population and location. Support may include foundational development in early childhood, academic access and services aligned with student IEPs in grades 4K–12, and vocational independence for students ages 18–21. The assistant supports instruction, behavior and regulation, student supervision, personal care, mobility, communication, data collection, and collaboration with school and community teams. Work may take place in classrooms, living labs, community workplaces, and outdoors. School-based positions are in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal, and travel to district locations or off-site meetings may be required. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 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.
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 maintain student confidentiality.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community, and vocational settings while maintaining schedules.
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, reach, and keep pace with students for extended periods.
Work in environments with varying noise, lighting, and activity while maintaining focus on safety and engagement.
Recognize changes in students’ physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including using PPE when necessary.
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 early childhood learning 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.
Coach students ages 18–21 at community worksites, break vocational tasks into manageable steps, and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted literacy materials, visual schedules, and communication supports to improve access to learning.
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 work.
Adapt physical and social environments to support belonging and engagement.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, tube feedings, or medication administration according to health plans, while respecting privacy and age-appropriateness.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, and coach students in using communication devices.
Follow sanitation and PPE protocols.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational measures as directed by teachers.
Contribute updates to home-to-school folders, notebooks, or electronic logs for families and teams.
Maintain student confidentiality and comply with FERPA/HIPAA requirements.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies, including DVR.
Prepare sensory materials and organize learning or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and worksite rotations.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners.
Attend district and school functions, complete required district training, and perform other duties as assigned.