School paraprofessional accused of hitting autistic student in the face

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - An Okaloosa County school paraprofessional has been arrested, accused of hitting a 5-year-old student with autism in the face.

Heather Bildstein was arrested and charged with child abuse without great harm, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said a school resource officer at Lewis School was notified last Friday about the allegation against Bildstein.

Investigators said the incident happened after the child hit Bildstein and knocked her glasses off.

Bildstein told deputies she stopped her hand before making contact. Two witnesses said they saw her hand hit the child’s face.

No visible injuries were noted.

The Okaloosa County School District placed Bildstein on administrative leave.