Preschool Education Promoted as Crucial

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Though Natalie Bercik is in college, her preschool teacher still plays a major influence on her life.

"The thing that really impacted me was she really made me feel special," said Bercik, 20, who is studying early childhood education at Westmoreland County Community College. "I have a practicum now, and that's my main goal. If each child felt like I wanted them to be there, I did my job."

Bercik recalled her years at the Greensburg YMCA's preschool at the prompting of education consultant Judy Jablon, the keynote speaker at "Building Blocks," an early learning conference at the Hempfield college Friday and today.

"Every one of us wants to be that person …