Mission Pediatrics Conducts Comprehensive School Screening Exercise at St. Nicholas Preparatory.

In a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Mission Pediatrics brought its multidisciplinary expertise directly to the students of St. Nicholas Preparatory Charity School on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026. The dedicated screening day underscored the organization’s commitment to community health and early childhood development, providing invaluable insights and on-the-spot support to learners.

The Mission Pediatrics team was notably joined by two distinguished specialists for the first time: Dr. Marilyn Marbell-Wilson, Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician, and Dr. Kristine Marbell-Pierre, Head of the Psychology Department. Their expertise, combined with the skills of special needs educators, behaviour analysts, speech therapists, and an occupational therapist, created a holistic assessment environment for the students.

The screening employed a battery of internationally recognized tools to create a nuanced picture of each child’s development. These included the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R), Bayley Scales for infant and toddler development, the Mission Pediatrics Autism Redflags Screening Tool (MPARST), and the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). This comprehensive approach allowed the team to assess developmental milestones, cognitive patterns, social-emotional functioning, speech and language, motor skills, and potential signs of neurodevelopmental variations.

A key and immediate observation from the screening was that a significant majority of the students presented with reading challenges. Moving beyond mere identification, the team swiftly transitioned into a supportive, educational role. The special needs educators and therapists provided practical, actionable strategies directly to the children. Students engaged in mini-workshops focusing on:

• Decoding Skills: How to break down complex words into manageable syllables and sounds.
• Phonics Fundamentals: Clear explanations of short and long vowel sounds and their impact on word pronunciation.
• Spelling Rules: Introduction to foundational spelling patterns to build confidence in writing.
• The Power of a Positive Mindset: Encouraging children to "see learning as fun" and to devise their own creative strategies to make reading easier and more enjoyable.

Dr. Marilyn Marbell-Wilson commented, “Early screening is not about labeling; it’s about illuminating a path forward. Observing these bright children and being able to offer immediate, practical tools for their reading challenges was incredibly rewarding. It transforms potential frustration into empowerment.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Kristine Marbell-Pierre added, “The collaborative spirit today was exceptional. Addressing cognitive and emotional factors alongside academic skill-building is essential. When a child understands how they learn and feels supported, their entire attitude toward education can shift positively.”

Mission Pediatrics extends its deepest gratitude especially to Mr Ivan Quashigah (with whose assistance made this possible) and the Farmhouse team, the management and dedicated staff of St. Nicholas Preparatory Charity School for their warm welcome, impeccable organization, and unwavering commitment to their students' wellbeing. The open collaboration made the day a resounding success.

This initiative marks the beginning of a promising partnership. Mission Pediatrics looks forward to continuing its collaboration with St. Nicholas, exploring further ways to support the school’s mission and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive academically, developmentally, and personally.

About Mission Pediatrics:
Mission Pediatrics is a multidisciplinary practice dedicated to providing integrated, family-centered care. Our team of specialists works collaboratively to address the full spectrum of pediatric developmental, behavioral, educational, and psychological needs, championing early intervention and holistic support.