Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Whitehorse - 0.589 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 and scaffolding foundational skills like tool use and letter recognition in early childhood (4K).
• 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 to ensure all students can access content at their developmental level.
• Behavioral Intervention & Student Supervision: Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, 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 the loading/unloading of school buses; and 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. Perform frequent headcounts and maintain "reach-close" proximity during playground transitions or high-sensory play. Scan 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.
• Data Collection & Documentation: Record objective data, such as ABC behavior logs, developmental milestones, and PTP vocational metrics, to support student programming.
• Team Collaboration & Logistics: Collaborate with teachers, OT, PT, SLP, and external agencies to provide feedback on the effectiveness of modifications. Prepare sensory kits and organize the learning or vocational environment. Coordinate and execute daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.

Qualifications

• Have an Associate’s Degree.
• Complete 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).