Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Emerson - 0.139 FTE - 26-27 SY

About the role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking a Special Education Assistant to support students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. This position works closely with a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff member.

Responsibilities

• Support "learning through play-based activities" by navigating centers and scaffolding foundational skills.
• Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence within the general education environment.
• Provide on-site job coaching at community work-sites, performing task analysis and fading support as needed.
• Prepare adapted materials to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
• Auxiliary in behavioral intervention, monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, BIPs, and "safe space" procedures.
• Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster a sense of belonging and increase student engagement.
• Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by scanning the environment and intervening before behavioral or medical distress occurs.
• Perform sensitive personal care tasks, ensuring all care is performed with the highest respect for privacy and age-appropriateness.
• Coach students to use high- or low-tech communication devices to advocate for their own needs.
• Ensure strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
• Record objective data and provide daily updates on successes, care needs, and community performance.
• Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications.
• Prepare sensory kits and organize the learning or vocational environment.
• Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.

Requirements

• Have an Associate’s Degree.
• Complete 48 academic credits beyond high school.
• Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of meeting one of the requirements above.
• Hold a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015).

Qualifications

• Inclusive Practices: Understanding of special education terminology and high expectations for all students.
• Instructional Adaptability: Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional.
• Behavioral Support & De-escalation: Ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols.
• 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, including diapering, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings, while maintaining student dignity.
• Data Accuracy: Skill in recording objective academic and behavioral data (such as ABC logs) and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
• Interpersonal Collaboration: Ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (OT, PT, SLP, and teachers) to provide feedback on student performance.
• Environmental Navigation: Ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule.
• Physical Strength & Mobility: Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more depending on district policy) and assist with orthopedic equipment like wheelchairs and standers.
• Sensory Awareness: Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity, while remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
• Observation & Monitoring: Ability to recognize subtle changes in a student’s physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff immediately.
• Hygiene & Safety Compliance: Commitment to following strict health and sanitation policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Transportation Assistance: Ability to safely assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trip environments.
• Professional Growth: Willingness to engage in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Skills

• Positive Behavior Strategies
• Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Safe Space Procedures
• Task Analysis
• Positive Supervision
• Adaptive Devices
• Communication Devices
• Personal Care Tasks
• Data Recording
• Team Collaboration
• Environmental Modification
• Physical Assistance
• Hygiene Compliance
• Transportation Assistance

Benefits

• Compensation: $24.82 hourly wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)
• Great compensation package available on the district’s benefits page and compensation page.

Pay

• $24.82 hourly wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)

Schedule

• Non-Exempt