For parents of children with complex medical needs in Orange County, life can feel like a constant balancing act. Between managing appointments at Arnold Palmer or Nemours, coordinating therapies, and handling daily medical routines at home, it's easy to feel exhausted and alone. You're already doing an incredible job, and you deserve to find support you can trust.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) in Orange County—what it is, how it's covered by Medicaid, and a complete list of local providers. We've done the research so you can focus on what matters most: your child and your family.
What Is PPEC? Medical Daycare Explained
The simplest way to think of PPEC is as a medical daycare. It's a bright, cheerful center designed specifically for children with medical complexities, staffed by experienced pediatric nurses and therapists who understand your child's unique needs.
PPEC centers are equipped to handle needs that regular daycares can't, including:
- Feeding tubes (G-tubes, NG-tubes)
- Respiratory support and monitoring
- Seizure management
- Complex medication schedules
- Developmental and therapeutic support
This allows your child to receive critical medical supervision while also having opportunities to play, learn, and build friendships with peers who understand their journey. Learn more in our complete "What Is PPEC?" guide.
Does Medicaid Cover PPEC in Orange County?
Yes. For eligible children, Medicaid and Medicaid-managed plans cover 100% of PPEC services in Orange County. There are no copays or out-of-pocket costs for families.
To qualify for this benefit, your child typically must:
- Be between birth and 20 years of age
- Have a medically complex condition requiring ongoing nursing care
- Be cleared by their doctor to safely receive care in a non-residential setting
While Medicaid handles the coverage, Spark's team can help answer your questions about paperwork and guide you through the process, making it much less stressful. The Florida Medicaid - Children's Medical Services provides comprehensive details about coverage specifics.
PPEC Centers Serving Orange County (2025)
Orange County offers several options for PPEC care. We recommend touring a few centers to find the PPEC center that feels right for your family.
Spark Pediatrics – Orlando
Located conveniently on N. Semoran Blvd, the Spark Pediatrics Orlando center provides a warm, inclusive environment where medical care and childhood joy go hand-in-hand. Our team creates personalized care plans in collaboration with your child's healthcare providers to ensure their unique medical and developmental needs are met.
Address: 7054 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Other PPEC Providers in Orange County
To give you a complete picture, here are the other licensed PPEC centers serving the Orange County community:
- BrightStart Pediatrics
Location: 12377 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: 407-857-1212
Additional Location: 1335 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 120, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Focus: Skilled nursing care and therapy for children from birth to five years
- Learning Tree PPEC
Location: 345 W Michigan St, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32806
Focus: Skilled nursing, therapy, and nutrition plans in a secure environment
- ChildrenFirst PPEC
Location: 196 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL
Focus: Clinical interventions, therapy, and education with staff including RNs and therapists
- Aveanna PPEC
Location: 1560 N Orange Ave, Suite 240, Winter Park, FL 32789
Focus: Medical daycare services for medically fragile children
How to Enroll Your Child in PPEC
Getting started with PPEC is more straightforward than you might think. Here's the typical process:
- Get a Doctor's Order: Your child's pediatrician or specialist must write a prescription for PPEC services. Spark can provide the necessary forms and help coordinate with your doctor's office.
- Choose Your PPEC: Visit centers you're considering. A tour gives you the chance to see the facility, meet the staff, and decide if it feels right for your family.
- Medicaid Authorization: Once you select a center, they'll help you navigate the submission of medical documentation to Medicaid for approval.
- Plan the First Day: The nursing team will work closely with you and your child's medical providers to create a detailed care plan that ensures a smooth transition.
When working with Spark, many families complete enrollment within 7-10 business days. For a more detailed overview, check out our complete guide to the PPEC enrollment process.
Transportation Options in Orange County
Reliable, safe transportation is essential for families. Here are the free options available:
Medicaid Transportation Services
Medicaid provides free transportation for eligible children. Spark helps families coordinate with these services to ensure a smooth process:
- MTM (Medical Transportation Management): The official broker for arranging non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid members in Orange County. Visit MTM - Central Florida for more information.
- ACCESS LYNX: The local paratransit service operated by LYNX, providing shared-ride services for residents with disabilities.
Transportation vehicles typically have medical staff on board and maintain consistent pick-up and drop-off times to minimize stress for families.
Therapy & Specialist Resources
PPEC centers can accommodate therapy services during your child's day. Orange County is also home to world-class medical resources:
- Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children: A leader in pediatric care, offering a full range of specialty and rehabilitation services.
- Nemours Children's Health - Florida: A state-of-the-art facility in Lake Nona providing comprehensive care for children with complex conditions.
- Early Steps Florida: The local entry point for free early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to 3) showing signs of developmental delay.
Spark creates a welcoming environment where your child's existing therapists can conduct sessions, or we can help you find appropriate providers through our network. Learn about Spark's on-site therapy services and how we integrate medical care with developmental support.
Financial & Community Support
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. These organizations offer advocacy, support, and connection:
- The Arc of Central Florida: Advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Heart of Florida United Way - 211: An excellent starting point for connecting with local resources for everything from financial assistance to support groups.
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida: Provides education, therapy, and family support services.
Choosing between different care options can be challenging. Is PPEC a better fit than home nursing? Read our comparison to understand the differences and benefits of each approach.
Real Parent Experiences in Orange County
Hearing directly from other parents can provide the most reassuring perspective:
"My son has been attending Spark for more than a year and we absolutely love, love Spark. The nurses and staff take the best care of the children and I know my son is in a great environment where he can learn and play. His cognition abilities have improved since attending Spark and they always have the best activities for the children throughout the week!"
— Mom of 2-year-old son
"It has to be clear for me that I'm gonna put my baby somewhere that I like and that I feel safe … And when I went to Spark, I can say that the center staff were the ones that gave me confidence… They explained how it works and gave me a lot of information… And I can tell you that I have a PPEC close to my house, but … Spark is the one that makes me feel better and comfortable."
— Mom of 1-year-old son
These stories highlight the peace of mind that comes from finding the right care environment. See more stories from our amazing families.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Orange County
How much does PPEC cost? Is it really free?
Yes. For children who qualify for Medicaid, PPEC services are 100% covered. There are no copays or hidden fees. The PPEC center handles all billing directly with Medicaid, so families never have to worry about it.
How can I be sure my child will be safe?
Safety is the top priority at PPEC centers. They're staffed with experienced pediatric nurses, feature secure entrances, and have emergency response systems in place. With low nurse-to-child ratios (typically 1:3), your child receives constant monitoring and attention that's simply not possible in a traditional daycare setting.
My child has a G-tube and needs breathing treatments. Can PPEC handle that?
Absolutely. PPEC nursing staff are highly trained in managing a wide range of complex medical needs, including feeding tubes, tracheostomy care, ventilator management, seizure protocols, and medication administration. They create a detailed daily care plan with you and your child's doctor.
Will I know what's happening with my child during the day?
Yes. PPEC centers believe in constant, open communication. Many use tools like the Hi Momma app for daily updates, photos, and messages. You can call or text anytime to check in, and nurses provide a detailed report of your child's day at pick-up.
What if my family speaks Spanish?
Most PPEC centers welcome families from all backgrounds. Many have bilingual staff members who can communicate with you in your preferred language, including Spanish. Spark Pediatrics is committed to providing culturally supportive care that respects your family's heritage.
Next Steps: Visit a PPEC Center in Orange County
The best way to know if a PPEC center is right for your child is to see it for yourself. We invite you to Schedule a no-obligation tour at Spark Pediatrics in Orlando. You can meet our nurses, see the children happily playing, and get all your questions answered in a warm, welcoming environment.
You've been carrying so much on your own. Let us help.
En Español
Guía de PPEC en el Condado de Orange: Costos, Proveedores y Transporte