Special Education Assistant (0.3)/Educational Assistant (0.128) - Huegel - 0.428 FTE - 26-27 SY

Starting Compensation: $25.47 Hourly Wage (2026‑27 Salary Schedule) • Employment Type: Non‑Exempt • Location: Huegel Elementary

About the Role

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 Special Education Assistant performs highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. The position adapts to the specific needs of the assigned population: fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in 4K‑12, providing supplementary aids and services to follow student IEPs, Behavior Support Plans, Regulation Plans, and coaching vocational independence in 18–21‑year‑old transition services. The exact population served varies by location and assignment. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Support & Academic Assistance
  • Early Childhood (4K): Support learning through play‑based activities by navigating centers (sensory, blocks, dramatic play) and scaffolding foundational skills such as tool use (scissors, glue) and letter recognition.
  • Academic Reinforcement (4K‑12): Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence within the general education environment.
  • Transition (Ages 18–21): Provide on‑site job coaching at community work‑sites; perform task analysis to break down vocational duties into manageable steps and gradually fade support as the student gains mastery.
  • Inclusive Literacy: Prepare adapted materials (recorded books, visual schedules, communication boards) to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
• Behavioral Intervention & Student Supervision
  • Positive Behavior Support: Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and “safe space” procedures; support emotional regulation and behavioral success using district‑approved techniques and safety protocols.
  • Supervision Duties: Provide high‑quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and loading/unloading of school buses; coach professional workplace etiquette and social cues.
  • Environmental Adaptation: Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster belonging and increase engagement in classroom and community activities.
  • Active Supervision: Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentional positioning, scanning, and anticipating risks. Includes frequent headcounts, “reach‑close” proximity during transitions, strategic movement during lessons, recognizing early precursors to behavioral or medical distress, and discreet shadowing at community job sites.
• Personal Care & Physical Assistance
  • Daily Living Support: Perform sensitive personal care tasks including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications per health plans.
  • Dignified Assistance: Ensure all care respects privacy and age‑appropriateness.
  • Mobility & Technology: Assist with student transfers and adaptive devices (wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers); coach students to use high‑ or low‑tech communication devices to advocate for their needs.
  • Hygiene: Maintain strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage.
• Data Collection & Documentation
  • Progress Monitoring: Record objective data as directed by CC Teachers for IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post‑Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics (18–21).
  • Communication: Provide daily updates via notebooks, “Home‑to‑School” folders, or electronic logs to families and teams on successes, care needs, and community performance.
  • Confidentiality: Ensure absolute FERPA/HIPAA compliance regarding all student records, acknowledging the legal status of students who have reached the age of majority.
• Team Collaboration & Logistics
  • Multidisciplinary Feedback: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies (e.g., DVR) to provide feedback on modification effectiveness.
  • Operational Readiness: Prepare sensory kits (playdough, heavy work tools) and organize learning or vocational environments.
  • Community Logistics: Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community‑based instruction and work‑site rotations.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  • Perform other duties assigned by leadership or designees.
  • Attend district and school functions supporting MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
  • Complete all district‑required training.
  • Build collaborative relationships with business partners.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Associate’s Degree
• 48 academic credits beyond high school
• Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of the above

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Inclusive Practices: Understanding of special education terminology; ability to maintain high expectations for all students.
• Instructional Adaptability: Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional to support diverse learning styles.
• Behavioral Support & De‑escalation: Remain calm and professional during high‑stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols; aligned with district‑mandated training.
• Assistive Technology Proficiency: Skill in operating and troubleshooting high‑ and low‑tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
• Personal Care Competency: Ability to perform sensitive personal care tasks (diapering, bathroom assistance, tube feedings) while maintaining student dignity.
• Data Accuracy: