Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Memorial - 0.761 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant performs highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. 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 assistant adapts support to the needs of the assigned students and setting. Duties may include fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in grades 4K–12, providing supplementary aids and services required by student IEPs and behavior or regulation plans, and coaching vocational independence for students ages 18–21. The student population served varies by location and assignment. The role supports instruction and literacy access, implements positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols, supervises students in school and community settings, and provides personal care and physical assistance as needed. It also involves collecting and documenting student progress data, communicating updates to families and teams, collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals, preparing learning environments and materials, and coordinating community-based instruction and work-site schedules. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The role is based in person at school unless otherwise directed by the building principal. Work may take place in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather, and may require travel to other district locations and off-site meetings. The position requires frequent physical activity, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and transferring students, as well as standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and reaching for extended periods.

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 those requirements.
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 all 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 while maintaining student dignity.
Accurately record academic and behavioral data and maintain student confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA.
Communicate effectively and collaborate with teachers and multidisciplinary teams.
Transition between classroom, community, and vocational settings while maintaining schedules.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, including loads of 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 and outings.
Work effectively in environments with varying noise, lighting, and activity levels.
Recognize changes in student health or emotional state and promptly notify the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including PPE use when necessary.
Assist students with the physical requirements of bus loading and unloading and navigating field trips.
Engage in ongoing training on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Responsibilities

Support early-childhood learning through play-based activities and scaffold foundational skills such as tool use and letter recognition.
Implement modified curricula and intervention strategies to maximize student independence in general education settings.
Provide on-site job coaching for students ages 18–21, break vocational tasks into manageable steps, and gradually fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted instructional and literacy materials, including 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.
Maintain active supervision by positioning strategically, monitoring students, anticipating risks, and recognizing signs of behavioral or medical distress.
Adapt physical and social environments to foster belonging and student engagement.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, potty training, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings or medications according to health plans.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive devices, and coach students in using communication devices to advocate for 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 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, including DVR.
Prepare sensory materials and organize learning or vocational environments.
Coordinate daily travel 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 duties as assigned.