4K Education Assistant (EA) - Hawthorne - 0.8 FTE - 26-27 SY

Starting Compensation: $25.47 • Employment Type: Non‑Exempt

About Our District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second‑largest school district in Wisconsin, serving over 25,000 students. More than half of the students are students of color, nearly half come from low‑income households, and about one‑third are English Language Learners representing over 100 languages. MMSD is committed to being anti‑racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision that every school is thriving and prepares students for college, career, and community.

About the Role

This position is a support staff member who assists special education teachers with providing individualized support to 4K students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support and reinforcement to students in academic, behavioral, and functional areas across school, community, and vocational settings.
• Implement curriculum and behavioral intervention strategies across environments, under the direction and guidance of a teacher and/or related services staff.
• Transfer, apply adaptive devices, tube feedings, diapering, and provide bathroom assistance and mobility training.
• Consistently use proper hygiene practices as prescribed by MMSD health policies.
• Maintain student confidentiality, including written records.
• Assist with coordination and communication activities with other staff to provide feedback regarding student performance.
• Assist with data collection activities (reviewing and documenting student progress academically and behaviorally, etc.).
• Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, including physical restraint/management, safe‑space procedures, and behavior intervention plans.
• Provide supervision during lunch, recess, playground, hallways, and field trips.
• Participate in on‑the‑job training and district‑level training.
• Assist with loading and unloading school buses.
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials under a teacher’s direction.
• Maintain records.
• Work with at least one scholar with an Individual Education Plan, maintaining a daily schedule of support under direction from the case manager.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or 48 academic credits beyond high school, or pass an onsite assessment in lieu of college credits.
• Department of Public Instruction Certification (License) to work with disabled children.
• Experience working cross‑culturally and a commitment to improving cultural competence.
• Ability to provide individual and small‑group instructional reinforcement.
• Ability to work independently with students in school, community, vocational, and domestic situations under teacher direction.
• Ability to keep accurate student data.
• Ability to work with physically aggressive, nonverbal, or non‑intelligible speech students.
• Ability to follow teacher directions, written plans, IEPs, and behavior intervention plans.
• Effective oral and written communication with diverse students, staff, and community.
• Maintain student confidentiality.
• Physical ability to walk, lift up to 50 lb, climb, bend, reach, and kneel.
• Basic computer skills (email, internet, word processing).
• Maturity, patience, and compassion when working with all students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• Prior experience in a public school setting.
• Prior experience working with children who have disabilities.
• Prior experience with non‑ambulatory and/or nonverbal children.
• CPR certification and first‑aid training.
• Experience using email, internet, and word‑processing programs.

Skills

• Instructional reinforcement for individuals and small groups.
• Data collection and documentation.
• Behavior management, including restraint and safe‑space procedures.
• Supervision during various school activities.
• Preparation of instructional materials.
• Effective communication across diverse populations.
• Basic technology proficiency.

Pay

Starting Compensation: $25.47 per hour.

Schedule

Non‑Exempt position. May require evenings, nights, some weekends, and travel to different locations within the district. Certain positions may allow hybrid work flexibility for a portion of the schedule; school‑based positions are required to be in‑person unless otherwise directed.

Working Conditions

• Travel to various district locations and off‑site meetings.
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments year‑round, including inclement weather and spaces without air conditioning.
• Physical demands include lifting up to 25 lb occasionally, walking, sitting, stooping, reaching, and periods of stationary work.
• Manual dexterity required for operating office equipment.