Police said the incident happened at 1:30 p.m. inside of PS 153 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Elementary School in Hamilton Heights.
46-year-old Anthony Wicks was charged with assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17, according to police.
The child was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center and is expected to survive, police said.
"This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable, and this employee has been immediately removed from this site. Pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue their termination. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students," said Jenna Lyle, Department of Education Spokesperson.
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