7 Reasons Medical Daycare is Better Than Private Duty Nursing for Most Kids with Medical Complexities
Choosing care for your child is tough. Private duty nursing sounds great—care in the comfort of your home, right? But is it the best option?
For most families, medical daycare does so much more. From expert care and therapy to socialization and peace of mind, PPEC's are a game-changer for kids and parents alike. Here’s why PPEC often beats private nursing.
1. Your child gets friends (not isolation at home)
At PPEC, your child gets to play, laugh, and bond with other kids. Social growth matters just as much as medical care, and here, it’s built right in.
Private nursing? It’s just your child and their nurse—no playmates, no group fun.
2. A whole team, not just one nurse
At PPEC, care isn’t limited to a single nurse. Your child benefits from a whole team of specialists, including nurses, therapists, and caregivers. Together, they create a personalized care plan to meet medical, developmental, and emotional needs.
Private duty nurses, while amazing, often don’t have the same resources to provide therapies like speech or physical therapy.
3. Every milestone is a celebration (Therapy Included!)
Whether it’s learning to walk, saying their first word, or trying a new food, your child’s wins become our celebration. PPEC centers seamlessly integrate therapy into their daily routine, meaning no missed opportunities for growth.
Life at home with a private nurse can mean juggling appointments and falling behind on development goals—but not here.
4. Frees up your time while keeping your child safe
Caring for a medically complex child can be exhausting. PPEC takes some of that weight off your shoulders. Whether it’s the free transportation, handling all the paperwork, or professional daily updates, we make life easier.
You don’t have to spend your day managing their care alone anymore—you’ll get your time back while knowing your child is safe and loved.
Ready for medical care that works for your child and you?
Let Spark give your family the expert care, therapies, and support you’ve been looking for—all while giving you time to focus on what matters most.
5. It's 100% covered by your insurance (including Medicaid)
Here’s what you’ll love: PPEC is covered by Medicaid—entirely. That includes therapies, transportation, and even personalized care plans. And the best part? We take care of all the paperwork so you can focus on your child, not forms and policies.
Private duty nursing? It often comes with uncovered hours or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
6. Specifically designed to be safe for medical kids
Home is cozy, but it’s not designed for medical care. A PPEC facility is. These centers are fully equipped to meet every need your child has, from therapy rooms to medical equipment, all within a stimulating, fun, and safe environment.
7. You're not alone—get a community of care
Caring for your child can feel lonely. At PPEC, you’re surrounded by a team and families who understand exactly what you're going through. You’ll find support, kindness, and people who truly ‘get it.’
Private nursing may meet medical needs, but it can’t offer the warmth and connection of a center dedicated entirely to families like yours.
Curious if medical daycare is a good fit?
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We handle all the paperwork
Medicaid covers 100% of PPEC costs for qualifying families—and we’ll take care of all the paperwork so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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Once enrolled, your child will receive personalized medical care, therapy, and social engagement in a safe, supportive environment
Support for all different types of medical needs
Frequently asked questions
What is a medical daycare (or PPEC)?
Medical daycare provides skilled nursing care and therapy for children with complex medical needs while their parents work or go to school. Unlike regular daycare, medical daycare (also called PPEC) is staffed by nurses and medical professionals who can handle feeding tubes, medications, seizures, and other medical needs.
How is Spark different from regular daycare?
Regular daycares cannot provide medical care or handle complex health needs for kids.
Spark is a medical facility staffed by nurses and healthcare professionals, not a traditional daycare. We provide services like:
• Skilled nursing care
• Medical monitoring
• Therapy services
• Emergency response capability
• Care coordination with doctors
What's more, Spark's medical daycare is completely free with Medicare/Medicaid
What medical conditions qualify for PPEC/medical daycare?
Children qualify if they need care that only a nurse can provide, such as:
• Medication management
• Feeding tube care (G-tube feeds)
• Seizure monitoring
• Oxygen or respiratory care
• Regular vital sign checks
Contact us for a full evaluation of your child's needs. We're happy to answer any questions you have!
What happens during a typical day at medical daycare?
At Spark, your child receives:
• Continuous nursing care from multiple nurses
• All prescribed medications and treatments
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Supervised activities and playtime
• Meals and feeding assistance
• Social interaction with other children
Every child has a personalized care plan. Call us today to learn more about what your child's schedule would be like!
How do I know if my child is getting good care during the day?
It's natural to worry about your child. We do eveything we can to keep you informed and aware of everything going on. You get:
• Daily updates on medications and care
• Regular progress reports
• Direct communication with nursing staff
• Access to therapy progress notes
Still have questions?
Give us a ring and one of our Care Coordinators can answer all your questsion!
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"This PPEC is amazing"
"Forever be grateful"
"10/10 recommend!"
"Always felt very comfortable"
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We’d be happy to pick up and drop off your child so they can receive the best care in the area. Click the center closest to you to learn more about our team and schedule a tour.