Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Kennedy - 0.725 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.
• 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 to break down vocational duties into manageable steps and gradually fading support as the student gains mastery.
• 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.
• Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and "safe space" procedures, supporting students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district-approved techniques and safety protocols.
• Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentionally positioning oneself to see and hear at all times, performing frequent headcounts and maintaining "reach-close" proximity during playground transitions or high-sensory play.
• Perform sensitive personal care tasks, including changing/dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, and administering tube feedings or medications per health plans, ensuring all care is performed with the highest respect for privacy and age-appropriateness.
• Prepare sensory kits (playdough, heavy work tools) and organize the learning or vocational environment, coordinating and executing daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
• Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications, engaging in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Requirements

• Have an Associate’s Degree
• 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

• 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, and pull (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.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.