Kentucky is one of only 13 states with a licensed PPEC program, and it comes with a major benefit for families: PPEC services are 100% funded by Kentucky Medicaid, regardless of household income. If your child qualifies based on medical need, there is no cost to your family. Period.
This guide covers how Kentucky's PPEC program works, who qualifies, what services are included, and where to find a center near you.
Key Takeaways
- PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) is a licensed medical daycare for children with complex medical needs in Kentucky.
- Kentucky PPEC serves children from 6 weeks through their 21st birthday.
- Services are 100% covered by KY Medicaid with no income requirement and no out-of-pocket costs.
- Centers are licensed under KRS 216.890 and regulated by 902 KAR 20:280.
- Services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, child life programs, and dietary support.
- Established providers include The Kidz Club (Louisville, operating since 1996) and Easterseals Redwood (Northern Kentucky).
What Is PPEC?
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. It is a non-residential medical daycare program where children with complex health conditions receive skilled nursing care, therapy, and developmental activities during the day.
Think of it as hospital-level medical care combined with the warmth and socialization of a daycare setting. Your child gets the nursing support they need while also playing, learning, and building friendships with other kids. Learn more about what PPEC is and how it works.
PPEC is not the same as traditional daycare. Regular daycares are not equipped to manage tracheostomies, G-tube feedings, seizure protocols, or ventilator care. PPEC centers are staffed by registered nurses and licensed therapists trained to handle these needs safely. See why more families choose PPEC over private nursing.
How Kentucky's PPEC Program Works
Kentucky licenses PPEC centers under KRS 216.890, with detailed operational requirements outlined in 902 KAR 20:280. The program is designed to give medically complex children a safe, supervised environment during the day while their parents work, attend school, or care for other family members.
Ages Served
Kentucky PPEC centers accept children from 6 weeks old through their 21st birthday. This is a slightly wider range than some states. For comparison, many PPEC programs nationally cover birth through age 20, and Missouri limits its program to ages 0 through 6.
Cost: Zero to Families
Here is what makes Kentucky's program stand out: KY Medicaid covers 100% of PPEC costs with no income requirement. Your family's household income does not factor into eligibility. If your child has a qualifying medical condition and is enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid, PPEC services are fully covered. No copays. No deductibles. No bills.
Learn how Medicaid covers PPEC at zero cost to families.
Services Included
Kentucky PPEC centers provide a comprehensive set of medical and developmental services under one roof:
- Skilled nursing care -- daily monitoring, medication administration, trach care, G-tube management, seizure monitoring, and ventilator support
- Physical therapy (PT) -- building strength, mobility, and motor skills
- Occupational therapy (OT) -- developing daily living skills and fine motor abilities
- Speech therapy -- communication development and support
- Feeding therapy -- addressing oral feeding challenges and supporting safe nutrition
- Child life specialist programs -- play-based activities, socialization, and emotional support tailored to each child's abilities
- Dietary program -- nutritional planning and meal support for children with specialized dietary needs
This is a key advantage over private duty nursing, which typically covers medical care at home but does not include therapy, socialization, or developmental programming. Compare PPEC services to what's available through other care options.
Who Qualifies for PPEC in Kentucky?
Your child may be eligible for PPEC in Kentucky if they meet these criteria:
- Age: Between 6 weeks and 21 years old
- Medicaid enrollment: Your child must be enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Medical need: Your child has a medically complex or technology-dependent condition that requires skilled nursing care
- Physician prescription: A licensed physician must prescribe PPEC services based on medical necessity
Common qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, G-tube/feeding tube needs, epilepsy and seizure disorders, respiratory failure, genetic syndromes, and other conditions requiring ongoing skilled nursing.
Not sure if your child qualifies? Use our eligibility guide or talk to your child's pediatrician about a referral.
Where to Find PPEC Centers in Kentucky
Kentucky has several established PPEC providers serving different regions of the state.
The Kidz Club (Louisville and Central/South-Central Kentucky)
The Kidz Club has been providing PPEC services in Kentucky since 1996, making it one of the longest-operating programs in the state. Their support office is located at 1101 Herr Lane in Louisville.
The Kidz Club provides skilled nursing, on-site physical, speech, and occupational therapy, educational programming, and nurse-staffed wheelchair-accessible transportation to and from the center. They serve children from birth through age 21 with neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and genetic conditions.
- Phone: 502-210-5538
- Website: thekidzclub.com
Easterseals Redwood (Northern Kentucky)
Easterseals Redwood operates PPEC Medical Childcare locations across Northern Kentucky, including centers in Florence, Ft. Mitchell, and Newport. Their program is fully funded by KY Medicaid with no cost to families.
Care is available Monday through Friday, with drop-off and pick-up available during operating hours (typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Easterseals Redwood provides nursing care, therapy services, and developmental programming.
- Website: eastersealsredwood.org
Easterseals of the Bluegrass -- Creative Day (Lexington)
Easterseals of the Bluegrass runs the Creative Day PPEC program in Lexington at 1900 Richmond Road. Creative Day serves Medicaid-eligible children from 6 weeks to 21 years old, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Their program focuses on play-based learning with individualized developmental plans. They serve children with conditions including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, seizure disorders, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, and more.
- Phone: (859) 399-6270
- Website: eastersealsbg.org
How to Search for Additional Providers
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) maintains a Medicaid Provider Directory where you can search for enrolled PPEC providers by location. This is the most reliable way to find all currently licensed and active centers in your area.
Official Kentucky PPEC Resources
Keep these resources handy as you explore PPEC options for your child:
- KY CHFS Medicaid Provider Directory -- search for PPEC providers enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- 902 KAR 20:280 -- the full Kentucky Administrative Regulation governing PPEC center licensing and operations
- KRS 216.890 -- the Kentucky statute that defines and authorizes PPEC centers
- Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) -- state office that supports families of children with complex medical needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PPEC stand for?
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. It is a licensed medical daycare program that provides skilled nursing, therapy services, and developmental activities for children with complex medical needs. Read our complete guide to PPEC.
Does PPEC in Kentucky cost anything?
No. Kentucky PPEC services are 100% funded by KY Medicaid. There is no cost to families, and there is no income requirement to qualify. Eligibility is based entirely on your child's medical needs.
What ages does Kentucky PPEC cover?
Kentucky PPEC serves children from 6 weeks old through their 21st birthday. This is a broader range than many other states with PPEC programs.
How do I get my child into a Kentucky PPEC center?
Start by talking to your child's pediatrician or specialist about whether PPEC is appropriate. Your doctor will need to prescribe PPEC services. From there, contact a PPEC center near you to discuss enrollment and any Medicaid prior authorization requirements.
What conditions qualify for PPEC in Kentucky?
Children with medically complex or technology-dependent conditions typically qualify. This includes conditions like cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, seizure disorders, ventilator dependence, respiratory failure, genetic syndromes, and other diagnoses requiring daily skilled nursing care.
Is PPEC the same as regular daycare?
No. PPEC centers are medical facilities staffed by registered nurses and licensed therapists. They are equipped to handle complex medical needs that regular daycares cannot safely manage. Learn the key differences between PPEC and traditional daycare.
Can I use PPEC while I work?
Yes. Many Kentucky PPEC centers operate during standard business hours (some as early as 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM), giving parents reliable medical daycare while they work, attend school, or handle other responsibilities.
Finding the Right PPEC Center for Your Family
Kentucky families have a real advantage: a fully funded PPEC program that covers skilled nursing, therapy, and developmental care with no cost and no income restrictions. If your child has complex medical needs, this program exists so they can get expert care and still experience the social, educational, and emotional benefits of being around other children.
Your next step: Talk to your child's doctor about a PPEC referral, or contact one of the providers listed above to learn about enrollment.
If you are in Florida or Texas, Spark Pediatrics operates 15 PPEC centers with experienced nurses, integrated therapy, and a warm environment built around your child's needs. Check if your child qualifies or get started today.
This article was reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026. PPEC regulations and provider availability change as states update their Medicaid programs. Always verify current eligibility and provider details with the Kentucky CHFS or a licensed PPEC provider in your area.
Spark Pediatrics is Florida's largest PPEC provider and operates PPECC centers in Texas. View all locations | Learn about our services