Special Education Assistant; SEA - Lori Mann Carey - FTE - SY

Student Services

Starting Compensation: $25.47 hourly wage (26-27 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.

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 over 100 languages are represented in our schools.

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, including foundational development in early childhood, academic access in 4K‑12, supplementary aids and services for Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Support, Regulation Plans, and coaching vocational independence for 18‑21 year‑old transition services.

None

• Instructional Support & Academic Assistance
  • Early Childhood (4K):
    Support "learning through play‑based activities" by navigating sensory, blocks, and dramatic play centers and scaffolding 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 the student gains mastery.
  • Inclusive Literacy:
    Prepare adapted materials (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; 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 positioning oneself to see and hear at all times; perform frequent headcounts; maintain "reach‑close" proximity during playground transitions; keep a line of sight for all students; recognize early precursors to behavioral or medical distress to intervene before escalation; use discreet shadowing at community job sites.
• 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.
  • 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 directed by CC teachers for student programming; includes IEP goals, developmental milestones, ABC behavior logs, and Post‑Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) vocational metrics.
  • Communication:
    Provide information for notebooks, "Home‑to‑School" folders or electronic logs to keep families and teams updated on daily successes, care needs, and community performance.
  • Confidentiality:…