MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – A teacher\u2019s assistant is accused of assaulting a special needs student at a St. Lawrence County school.<\/p>\n
State police arrested Darlene Bourdeau, 67, of Massena, last Friday.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.<\/p>\n
Troopers said the Massena Central School District reported an instance of alleged child abuse involving Bourdeau and a 6-year-old special needs student.<\/p>\n
It allegedly happened on February 3 in a special education classroom at Nightengale Elementary School.<\/p>\n
Bourdeau, who was a teacher assistant assigned to that classroom, is accused of grabbing the student and forcefully squeezing one of the girl\u2019s wrists. <\/p>\n
According to court documents, the actions \u201ccaused substantial pain to the child, which prompted the young girl to repeatedly shout out, \u2018Owww!\u2019, and sob uncontrollably.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police said another staff member reported the incident to the school\u2019s administrator.<\/p>\n
Bourdeau was arraigned in Massena Town Court and released under the supervision of the St. Lawrence County Probation Department.<\/p>\n
District Superintendent Ronald Burke said Bourdeau has been placed on administrative leave.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take the safety of our students as a top priority,\u201d he said. \u201cWe understand there are many questions, and we hope the process will provide answers.\u201d<\/p>\n
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