Parents as Teachers is the good idea that will not go away, no matter the severe state funding cuts instituted a year ago.

We are impressed to see Parents as Teachers is finding new, efficient ways to reach families in need of services. This is partly born of necessity. But no matter the reason, the point is to help kids by helping their moms and dads. The program seems determined to not lose sight of that.

This Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the staff will welcome anyone with a child from 3 to 35 months old who would like to have a free Early Childhood Screening performed at the program’s offices in the Keatley Center, 1202 S. 28th St. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 671-4300.

If you have to ask what a screening involves, you’re not alone.

The staff of the St. Joseph School District program breaks it down into simple terms: It is a periodic check of a child’s overall development, language skills, hearing and vision to determine whether the child is developmentally on track. Trained parent educators and other staff members will participate in providing the screenings.

And, for the first time, the program is offering mass screenings at its offices. Usually, a Parents as Teachers representative visits the child’s home. The idea is to break down barriers and to get more infants and toddlers screened. Debbie Kunz, program coordinator, makes the point that early detection of potential problems prevents later difficulties in school.

Parents as Teachers also is equipped to provide continuing support for parents needing help in knowing how to encourage learning in a young child, connect parents with others who are going through the same experiences, and link parents to services that go beyond the scope of the program.

It’s an important outreach program that is accessible to any parent in the district. And now, it is even more welcoming of parents who want to have their child assessed but might not be ready for an in-home visit.