Florida school paraprofessional charged after allegedly striking 5-year-old autistic student

A Florida school paraprofessional has been arrested after authorities say she struck a 5-year-old autistic student in the face during an incident at Lewis School in Valparaiso. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 46-year-old Heather Bildstein on Sept. 10, following an investigation that began after a School Resource Officer was notified of the allegation on Sept. 4.

According to investigators, the incident occurred after the child struck Bildstein in the face, knocking her glasses off. Bildstein told investigators that she did not strike the child and said she stopped her hand before it made contact.

However, two witnesses gave separate accounts that contradicted her statement. Investigators said both witnesses reported seeing Bildstein’s hand make contact with the child’s face. Both also described the blow as forceful enough to cause the child’s head to turn.

Authorities said the child had no visible injuries following the incident. Bildstein was charged with Child Abuse Without Great Harm.

The Okaloosa County School District placed Bildstein on administrative leave and said it is cooperating with the sheriff’s office investigation. Superintendent Marcus Chambers said the district acted immediately after learning of the allegation and emphasized that the safety and welfare of students remains a priority.

“Any breach of those standards is unacceptable,” Chambers said, adding that employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Because of student privacy laws, including the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district said it cannot release additional details about the student or the incident.

The sheriff’s office investigation remains the basis for the criminal charge. Bildstein’s account, as reported by investigators, disputes the allegation that she struck the child.

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(Source and Heather Bildstein photo: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)                                                                                                                            

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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