Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Metro - 0.325 FTE - 26-27 SY

Starting Compensation: $25.47 hourly wage (26‑27 Salary Schedule)

Employment Type: Non‑Exempt

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. The position adapts to the specific needs of the assigned population, ranging from early childhood foundational development to academic access in 4K‑12, to vocational independence coaching for ages 18‑21.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Instructional Support & Academic Assistance
  • Early Childhood (4K): Support learning through play‑based activities, navigate sensory and dramatic‑play centers, and scaffold foundational skills such as tool use 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, and gradually fade support as mastery is achieved.
  • Inclusive Literacy: Prepare adapted materials (recorded books, visual schedules, communication boards) to ensure content accessibility.
• Behavioral Intervention & Student Supervision
  • Positive Behavior Support: Assist with monitoring and implementing behavior intervention plans, “safe space” procedures, and emotional regulation strategies.
  • Environmental Adaptation: Modify physical and social environments to foster belonging and engagement.
  • Active Supervision: Maintain proactive awareness, perform frequent headcounts, and use “reach‑close” proximity during transitions and high‑sensory activities.
  • Discreet Shadowing: Monitor students at community job sites to ensure safety while promoting independence.
• Personal Care & Physical Assistance
  • Daily Living Support: Perform sensitive personal care tasks (changing, dressing, eating, diapering/potty training, bathroom assistance, tube feedings, medication administration) per health plans.
  • Dignified Assistance: Ensure privacy and age‑appropriateness.
  • Mobility & Technology: Assist with transfers, adaptive devices (wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers), and coach use of high‑ or low‑tech communication devices.
  • Hygiene: Follow strict sanitation protocols and PPE usage.
• Data Collection & Documentation
  • Progress Monitoring: Record objective data for IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and post‑secondary transition metrics.
  • Communication: Contribute to notebooks, “Home‑to‑School” folders, or electronic logs to keep families and teams informed.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain FERPA/HIPAA compliance for all student records.
• Team Collaboration & Logistics
  • Multidisciplinary Feedback: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to evaluate modifications.
  • Operational Readiness: Prepare sensory kits and organize learning or vocational environments.
  • Community Logistics: Coordinate travel schedules for community‑based instruction and work‑site rotations.
  • Other Duties: Attend district and school functions, complete required training, and build relationships with business partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of special education terminology and high expectations for all students.
• Ability to modify and deliver curriculum and literacy activities for diverse learning styles.
• Calm, professional response to high‑stress situations; implementation of positive behavior strategies and safety protocols.
• Proficiency with high‑ and low‑tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized software.
• Competency in sensitive personal care tasks while maintaining student dignity.
• Accurate recording of academic and behavioral data with strict confidentiality.
• Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams (OT, PT, SLP, teachers).
• Ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community‑based, and vocational settings.
• Physical strength to lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lb) and assist with orthopedic equipment.
• Stamina to stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods.
• Awareness of sensory environments and ability to maintain focus on safety and engagement.
• Observation skills to detect subtle health or emotional changes and alert appropriate personnel.
• Commitment to hygiene and safety protocols, including PPE use.
• Transportation assistance skills for bus loading/unloading and field trips.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or 
• Completion of 48 academic credits beyond high school or 
• Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of the above.

License or Certification Requirements

• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015). The incumbent must hold a current license or obtain one within the timeframe determined by the District.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 50 lb 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.

Working Conditions

The position requires work in varied environments—including classrooms, “living labs,” job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather. Travel to different district locations and off‑site meetings may be required. The role is school‑based and must be performed in‑person unless directed otherwise by the building principal.