Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Memorial - 0.761 FTE - 26-27 SY

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. 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), Behavior Support, Regulation Plans, and coaching vocational independence in 18–21‑year‑old transition services. The exact population served will vary depending on the location and assignment of the role. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second‑largest school district in Wisconsin, serving a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color, almost half come from low‑income households, nearly one‑third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented. MMSD is committed to being anti‑racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision that every school is a thriving school preparing every student for college, career, and community.

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 like tool use (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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 students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district‑approved techniques and safety protocols; provide high‑quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and bus loading/unloading; coach 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 includes frequent headcounts and “reach‑close” proximity during playground transitions or high‑sensory play; strategically moving throughout the room during lessons, maintaining a “line of sight” for all students, and recognizing early precursors to behavioral or medical distress; utilizing “discreet shadowing” at community job sites to monitor safety without hindering professional independence.

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 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

• Progress Monitoring: Record objective data, as directed by CC Teachers, for development of student programming (IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, Post‑Secondary Transition Plan vocational metrics for 18–21).
• Communication: Provide information for notebooks, “Home‑to‑School” folders, or electronic logs to give families and teams 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.

Team Collaboration & Logistics

• Multidisciplinary Feedback: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies (e.g., 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

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree OR