If your child's doctor has mentioned a PPEC, or Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care center, you may be wondering what it is and whether it is right for your child. A PPEC is a state-licensed pediatric medical daycare where children with complex medical needs receive skilled nursing during the day, then go home to their families each evening. This guide explains how it works in Hollywood, FL.
What Is a PPEC, Exactly?
A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care center is a non-residential facility licensed by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration. It provides continuous skilled nursing and developmental care for medically complex and medically fragile children from birth through age 20. A child's physician prescribes PPEC when ongoing medical supervision is needed during the day.
Children can attend for up to 12 hours a day, receiving the care they need while enjoying social interaction and learning through play. They return home to their families each night.
What Services Does a PPEC Provide?
At Peek A Boo Pediatric Care, services include:
- Skilled pediatric nursing, including medication management and feeding-tube care, plus tracheostomy and respiratory support and monitoring throughout the day
- Physical therapy to build strength and mobility as well as motor skills
- Occupational therapy to develop everyday and fine-motor skills
- Speech and feeding therapy to support communication and safe eating
- ABA and behavioral therapy for children who benefit from it
- Developmental play and early learning tailored to each child's abilities
- Nutritious meals through a supervised food program
- Caregiver education so families feel confident continuing care at home
Physical and occupational therapy, along with speech therapy, are separate services with their own prescriptions and approval steps.
Therapy that feels like play
For children with developmental delays or complex needs, consistent therapy can make a difference. Therapists work with children through play and interaction. Learn more about our services.
PPEC and Home Health Nursing
Home health brings one nurse to your home for set hours. A PPEC offers a clinical team, on-site therapies, specialized equipment, and time around other children. For some children, home nursing is the better option. The right setting depends on the child's care plan and the family's needs.
Which Children Benefit Most From a PPEC?
PPEC care is designed for children with complex medical needs who require regular skilled nursing. While every child is evaluated individually, common situations include children who:
- Have a feeding tube or need help with nutrition
- Require tracheostomy care, oxygen, or other respiratory support
- Were born prematurely or are recovering after a long hospital stay
- Live with a genetic, neurological, or congenital condition
- Need ongoing medication management or close monitoring
Not sure if your child qualifies? Visit Who Qualifies to learn more.
A Child's Care at Peek A Boo Pediatric Care
Each child's activities follow an individual care plan. Nursing assessments and medications follow the plan. Prescribed therapies, meals and rest, plus play, music and learning, are adapted to the child. Parents receive regular updates, and our nurses and therapists work with families as one team.
How to Enroll Your Child
Getting started begins with a physician's prescription for PPEC, followed by eligibility and intake. For eligible children, Florida Medicaid covers PPEC with a doctor's prescription. Florida Medicaid approval is renewed every 180 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PPEC a medical daycare?
Yes. A PPEC is a medically licensed center staffed by nurses who care for children with complex medical needs, including feeding tubes, respiratory support, and medication management.
How many hours can my child attend?
Children can attend a PPEC for up to 12 hours per day, depending on their individual care plan and family schedule. Your child goes home to your family every evening.
Does my child have to be on Medicaid to attend?
For eligible children, Florida Medicaid covers PPEC with a doctor's prescription. Our team can explain how that applies to your child's situation.
Will my child have opportunities to learn and play?
Yes. Children take part in play and learning, with social interaction adapted to their abilities and care plans.
How do I get started at Peek A Boo Pediatric Care?
Contact our Hollywood, FL team and we will explain the referral process, help verify coverage, and schedule a visit.
Come See Peek A Boo Pediatric Care
Schedule a visit to our Hollywood, FL center to meet the team and see the spaces where children receive care.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Whether PPEC is appropriate for your child is determined by your child's physician and Florida Medicaid eligibility guidelines. Please consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your family.