Caldwell school employee accused of slapping autistic boy

A speech therapist at a Caldwell elementary school is facing charges over allegations that she slapped a 6-year-old autistic student.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports Lisa Carriere is charged with misdemeanor injury to a child for the incident reported earlier this month. She is scheduled for a court appearance Friday.

Carriere, who has worked for the Vallivue School District for 16 years, remains on paid administrative leave. Superintendent Pat Charlton says the woman’s employment status will be reviewed following her court arraignment.

The child’s family has filed a tort claim against Carriere, the district and others over the handling of the incident.

The claim states Carriere hit the boy during speech therapy class. It says she told the principal the child was acting aggressively and she feared for her life.