Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Hamilton- 0.64 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 adapts to the specific needs of the assigned population, fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in 4K-12, providing necessary supplementary aids and services to follow student Individual Education Programs (IEPs), and coaching vocational independence in 18–21-year-old transition services.

Responsibilities

• Support "learning through play-based activities" by navigating centers (sensory, blocks, dramatic play) and scaffolding foundational skills like tool use (e.g., scissors, glue) and letter recognition in early childhood (4K).
• Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence within the general education environment in academic reinforcement (4K-12).
• Provide on-site job coaching at community work-sites, performing task analysis to break down vocational duties into manageable steps and gradually fading support as the student gains mastery in transition (Ages 18–21).
• Inclusive Literacy: Prepare adapted materials (e.g., recorded books, visual schedules, or communication boards) to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
• Behavioral Intervention & Student Supervision: Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and "safe space" procedures. This includes supporting students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district-approved techniques and safety protocols; providing high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and the loading/unloading of school buses; and coaching professional workplace etiquette and social cues.
• Environmental Adaptation: Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster a sense of belonging and increase student engagement in classroom and community activities.
• Active Supervision: Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentionally positioning oneself to see and hear at all times. This involves scanning the environment to anticipate risks and provide a safety net while still allowing for student growth.
• 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. Ensure all care is performed with the highest respect for privacy and age-appropriateness.
• Mobility & Technology: Assist with student transfers and the application of adaptive devices (wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers). Coach students to use high- or low-tech communication devices to advocate for their own needs.
• Hygiene: Maintain strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
• Data Collection & Documentation: Record objective data, as directed by CC Teachers, that can be used for the development of student programming. This data could be related to a student's IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics (18–21).
• Communication: Provide information contributing to notebooks, "Home-to-School" folders or electronic logs to provide families and teams with daily updates 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.
• Multidisciplinary Feedback: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies (like the DVR) to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications.
• Operational Readiness: Prepare sensory kits (playdough, heavy work tools) and organize the learning or vocational environment.
• Community Logistics: Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other duties as assigned by leadership or their representatives or designees. Attend district and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values. Complete any and all district-required training. Build collaborative relationships with business partners.

Qualifications

• Have an Associate’s Degree
• Completed 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)

Skills

• Understanding of special education terminology and the ability to maintain high expectations for all students
• Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional to support diverse learning styles
• Ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols; aligned with district-mandated training
• Skill in operating and troubleshooting high- and low-tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software
• Ability to perform sensitive personal care tasks, including diapering, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings, while maintaining student dignity
• Skill in recording objective academic and behavioral data (such as ABC logs) and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines
• Ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (OT, PT, SLP, and teachers) to provide feedback on student performance
• Ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule
• Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more per district policy for student transfers)
• Ability to squat, kneel, reach, and stand for extended periods
• Manual dexterity for operating office/medical equipment and handling small instructional tools
• Commitment to following strict health and sanitation policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary
• Ability to safely assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trip environments
• Willingness to engage in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies