Connecticut Teacher Accused of Child Abuse

(Trumbull, Connecticut) A 48-year-old special needs teacher at Trumbull Early Childhood Education Center, Jean Marie Pulaski, has been accused of abusing a three-year-old girl in her classroom.

Pulaski faces a charge of second-degree breach of peace.

Police said the nurse told them that shortly after noon on April 24 she had been in Pulaski's classroom when she saw the girl leave her chair at the table. Pulaski, who was seated to the right of the child, rose and grasped her by the shoulders and forcefully reseated her, police said. They said Pulaski then lifted the chair the girl was sitting in and roughly pushed it closer to the table. Pulaski then grabbed the girl's hair and quickly pushed her head down, striking the girl's head on the table top, police said.

Police said Pulaski harshly told the girl, "I told you to keep your head down." When the girl raised her head, Pulaski again pushed the girl's head down, according to police.

Police said the nurse told them she later examined the girl, but found no evidence of injury.

Pulaski was booked into custody and released on $10,000 bond.