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Special Education Assistant (SEA) - East - 0.893 FTE - 26-27 SY
Student Services
East High
Starting Compensation: $25.47 Hourly Wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)
Employment Type: Non-Exempt
MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants! Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.
Why You Should Work with MMSD!
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.
In addition, we have a great compensation package. Visit our benefits page and compensation page for more information.
Becoming a Model School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community.
Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework, and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.
We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school.
About Our District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves 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 in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.
Purpose of Position:
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
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. 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.

2. Behavioral Intervention & Student Supervision

• Positive Behavior Support: Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and "safe space" procedures. This includes supporting students in emotional regulation and behavioral success using district-approved techniques and safety protocols; providing high-quality supervision during lunch, recess, field trips, and the loading/unloading of school buses; and coaching 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 involves scanning the environment to anticipate risks and provide a safety net while still allowing for student growth. This includes, but is not limited to:
  
  • 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 to intervene before an escalation occurs.
  • Utilizing "discreet shadowing" at a community job site, monitoring from a distance to ensure the student navigates the workplace safely without hindering their professional independence.

3. 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.

4. Data Collection & Documentation

• Progress Monitoring: Record objective data, as directed by CC Teachers, that can be used for the development of student programming. This data could be related to a student's IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics (18-21).
• Communication: Provide information contributing to notebooks, "Home-to-School" folders or electronic logs to provide families and teams with 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.

5. Team Collaboration & Logistics

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

6. 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Inclusive Practices: Understanding of special education terminology and the ability to maintain high expectations for all students.
• Instructional Adaptability: Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional to support diverse learning styles.
• Behavioral Support & De-escalation: Ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress situations while implementing positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols; aligned with district-mandated training.
• Assistive Technology Proficiency: Skill in operating and troubleshooting high- and low-tech adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
• Personal Care Competency: Ability to perform sensitive personal care tasks, including diapering, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings, while maintaining student dignity.
• Data Accuracy: Skill in recording objective academic and behavioral data (such as ABC logs) and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
• Interpersonal Collaboration: Ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (OT, PT, SLP, and teachers) to provide feedback on student performance.
• Environmental Navigation: Ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings while maintaining a daily schedule.
• Physical Strength & Mobility: Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more depending on district policy) and assist with orthopedic equipment like wheelchairs and standers.
• Stamina & Positioning: Ability to stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods; ability to keep pace with students during transitions, recess, or community outings.
• Sensory Awareness: Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity, while remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
• Observation & Monitoring: Ability to recognize subtle changes in a student's physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff immediately.
• Hygiene & Safety Compliance: Commitment to following strict health and sanitation policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Transportation Assistance: Ability to safely assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trip environments.
• Professional Growth: Willingness to engage in ongoing training to stay current on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Required 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:

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

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the individual so classified.
Disclaimer: This position description is subject to change at any time. The above job description does not limit the duties and responsibilities listed above. Employees in this position may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as directed by the supervisor.
The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.