Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Gillespie - 0.875 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 Special Education Teachers and Student Services staff to adapt to the specific needs of the assigned population.

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 Literacy: Prepare adapted materials (e.g., recorded books, visual schedules, communication boards).
• Positive Behavior Support: Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, BIPs, and "safe space" procedures.
• Environmental Adaptation: Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster a sense of belonging and increase student engagement.
• Active Supervision: Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentionally positioning oneself to see and hear at all times.
• Daily Living Support: Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications.
• Data Collection & Documentation: Record objective data for the development of student programming, such as IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and PTP vocational metrics.
• Team Collaboration & Logistics: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Attend district and school functions, complete required training, build collaborative relationships with business partners, and perform other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• Inclusive Practices: Understanding of special education terminology and the 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: 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

• Ability to work in varied environments: classrooms, "living labs," job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary setting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

MMSD offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings options, and paid time off.

Pay

$24.82 hourly wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)

Schedule

Non-exempt employment type