Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Metro - 0.6 FTE - 26-27 SY

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants with a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

About the District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving a 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 over 100 languages are represented in our schools. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career, and community.

About the Role

Under the 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 role adapts to the specific needs of the assigned population, including:

• Fostering foundational development in early childhood
• Supporting academic access in 4K-12
• Providing supplementary aids and services to follow student Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Support, and Regulation Plans
• Coaching vocational independence in 18–21-year-old transition services

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, 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, including supporting students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district-approved techniques and safety protocols.
• Provide high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and the loading/unloading of school buses.
• Coach professional workplace etiquette and social cues.
• Assist in modifying the physical and social environment to foster a sense of belonging and increase student engagement in classroom and community activities.
• Maintain proactive, focused awareness of all students by intentionally positioning oneself to see and hear at all times, including:
  • Performing frequent headcounts and maintaining "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 ensure student safety without hindering their professional independence.

Personal Care & Physical Assistance

• 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.
• 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.
• 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, related to student IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics (18–21).
• Provide information contributing to notebooks, "Home-to-School" folders, or electronic logs for daily updates on successes, care needs, and community performance.
• Ensure absolute FERPA/HIPAA compliance regarding all student records.

Team Collaboration & Logistics

• Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies (like the DVR) to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications.
• Prepare sensory kits (playdough, heavy work tools) and organize the learning or vocational environment.
• Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Physical ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more) and assist with orthopedic equipment like wheelchairs and standers.
• Stamina to stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods; ability to keep pace with students during transitions, recess, or community outings.
• Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity while remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
• Ability to recognize subtle changes in a student’s physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff immediately.
• 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.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have an Associate’s Degree
• Have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school
• Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of meeting one of the requirements above

License Or Certification Requirements: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015). The incumbent must have a current license or obtain a license within a timeframe determined by the District.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling (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.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in varied environments: classrooms, "living labs," job sites, and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Work may require travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings.
• School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

Pay

$25.47 hourly wage (26-27 salary schedule).

Benefits

MMSD offers a comprehensive compensation package. Visit the benefits page and compensation page for more information.