For parents of children with complex medical needs in Palm Beach County, each day brings unique challenges. Between managing medications, coordinating with specialists, and simply trying to give your child a happy life, you're already doing an incredible job. This guide brings together everything you need to know about Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) in one place—so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about PPEC services in Palm Beach County.
What is PPEC in Palm Beach County?
A PPEC center is often called a "medical daycare," but it's so much more. It's a bright, cheerful place where children with significant medical needs receive nursing care, developmental support, and get to make friends who understand their journey.
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. These specialized centers serve children from birth through age 20 who require daily nursing services. While traditional daycares aren't equipped to handle feeding tubes or seizure protocols, PPEC centers are specifically designed for these needs.
At a PPEC, your child can:
- Receive necessary medical care in a non-hospital setting
- Participate in age-appropriate activities
- Develop social skills with peers
- Access various therapies in one location
Learn more about PPEC in our complete guide.
Does Medicaid Cover PPEC in Palm Beach County?
Yes. For eligible children, PPEC services in Palm Beach County are 100% covered by Florida Medicaid. This means there are no copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs for your family.
To qualify, your child typically must:
- Be between birth and 20 years old
- Have a medical condition requiring skilled nursing care, as prescribed by their doctor
- Be medically stable
According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, PPEC services fall under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, which provides comprehensive healthcare for children under Medicaid.
Help With Medicaid Paperwork
Dealing with insurance paperwork is the last thing you need. At Spark Pediatrics, we can help answer your questions about the Medicaid process and guide you through the steps. Our team assists families with understanding the authorization requirements and necessary documentation, so you can focus on what matters most: your child.
Learn how to apply for Medicaid coverage for PPEC services.
PPEC Centers in Palm Beach County (2025 List)
Palm Beach County offers several choices for PPEC care. Finding the right center is a personal decision, and we encourage you to tour any that you're considering.
Spark Pediatrics – West Palm Beach
Located in Palm Springs, our Spark Pediatrics West Palm Beach Center is a place where expert medical oversight and the joys of childhood go hand in hand. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where every child is celebrated.
Address: 1720 S Congress Avenue, Palm Springs, FL 33461
Phone: (813) 798-2809
With staff-to-child ratios typically around 1:3, we provide consistent monitoring of vital signs, medication administration, and immediate response to changes in medical status. Each center is continuously staffed with at least one nurse possessing extensive pediatric critical care or NICU experience.
Most of our centers have staff fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole, ensuring clear communication with families from diverse backgrounds.
Other PPEC Providers in Palm Beach County
To give you a full overview, here are the other licensed PPEC centers in the area:
Amazing Kids PPEC
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Pedikidz PPEC
Location: Wellington, FL
PPEC of Palm Beach
Location: 2216 S. Jog Road, Greenacres, FL 33415
How to Enroll Your Child in a Palm Beach County PPEC
The enrollment process is more straightforward than you might think. Here's how it works:
- Get a Doctor's Order: Your child's doctor must sign a prescription for PPEC services. We can help by providing the required forms for their office.
- Choose a PPEC Center: The best way to know if a center is right is to see it. Schedule tours to meet the staff and feel the environment firsthand.
- Medicaid Authorization: Your chosen PPEC center will help guide you through submitting the necessary paperwork to Medicaid for approval.
- Plan Your First Day: The nursing team will collaborate with you and your child's healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan and a checklist for your child's first day.
When you work with Spark Pediatrics, we help make this process as smooth as possible, typically taking about 7-10 business days.
Learn more about PPEC qualification requirements in Florida.
Transportation Options for PPEC in Palm Beach County
Getting your child to and from the center each day shouldn't be another worry on your list.
Medicaid Transportation Services
Medicaid offers free transportation for eligible children attending PPEC. Spark Pediatrics helps coordinate this service with ModivCare, the Medicaid transportation broker for Palm Beach County. We work closely with them to ensure:
- Medical professionals are present on transport vehicles
- Pick-up and drop-off times are consistent
- Your child's specific needs are communicated and met
Local Paratransit Options
Palm Tran Connection is Palm Beach County's local paratransit service, offering door-to-door transportation for residents with disabilities. This can be another resource for families needing transportation assistance.
Therapy & Medical Resources Near PPEC Centers in Palm Beach County
A major benefit of PPEC is the integration of therapy services. Our centers provide dedicated spaces where your child's therapies can happen during their PPEC day.
Medical Specialists in Palm Beach County
We work closely with the excellent medical community here in Palm Beach County:
- Palm Beach Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center: The county's leading dedicated children's hospital for specialty care and rehabilitation.
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital Specialty Centers: This renowned Miami-based hospital has several outpatient and specialty care centers in Palm Beach County.
Therapy Resources
- Early Steps at Easterseals Florida: The local provider of early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to 3) with developmental concerns.
- Therapy at Spark Pediatrics: Our center creates a welcoming environment for your child's existing therapists to conduct sessions. We coordinate scheduling to make the process as convenient as possible for families and therapists alike.
Learn about our integrated therapy services.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, receiving therapy in familiar environments can significantly improve outcomes, especially for children with feeding and swallowing disorders.
Financial & Community Support Programs in Palm Beach County
You're not alone on this journey. These local organizations are here to help:
- The Arc of Palm Beach County: A vital resource providing advocacy, programs, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County: This organization funds a wide range of local programs focused on the health, safety, and well-being of children.
- United Way of Palm Beach County: Their 2-1-1 helpline is a fantastic starting point for connecting with local health and human services.
Spark Pediatrics can help connect you with these and other community resources that might benefit your family.
Read our guide on PPEC vs. Home Health Care to understand different care options.
Real Parent Experiences with PPEC in Palm Beach County
Sometimes, the best reassurance comes from another parent.
"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… Spark is the one that makes me feel better and comfortable."
— Mom of 1-year-old son
"They think of your child first. Your child goes first in their mind. And they'll do anything to make your child happy, and yourself. It's wonderful how well they seem to be able to link the two. Because sometimes you can only satisfy a child and the parent won't be happy, but that hasn't happened with me. They've been able to satisfy the both of us."
— Mom of 6-year-old daughter
Read more success stories from Spark families.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Palm Beach 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. Spark Pediatrics helps guide you through the Medicaid process, so you don't have to navigate it alone.
How can I be sure my child will be safe?
Safety is our number one priority. Our centers are 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 you handle that?
Absolutely. Our nursing staff is highly trained in managing a wide range of complex medical needs, including feeding tubes (G-tubes, NG-tubes), tracheostomy care, ventilator management, seizure protocols, and medication administration. We 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. We believe in constant, open communication. We use tools like the Hi Momma app for daily updates, photos, and messages. You can call or text anytime to check in, and our nurses provide a detailed report of your child's day at pick-up.
What if my family speaks Spanish?
We welcome families from all backgrounds. Our West Palm Beach center, like many of our locations, has bilingual staff members who can communicate with you in your preferred language. We are committed to providing culturally supportive care that respects your family's heritage.
Find answers to more frequently asked questions about our PPEC services.
Finding the Right PPEC in Palm Beach County: Next Steps
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 our West Palm Beach location. Meet our nurses, see the kids at play, and get all your questions answered in a warm, welcoming environment.
You're doing an incredible job. Let us help carry some of the load.
Próximos Pasos: Programe un Tour Gratuito en Spark Pediatrics
La mejor manera de saber si un centro PPEC es el adecuado para su hijo/a es verlo usted mismo/a. Le invitamos a programar un tour sin compromiso en nuestra ubicación de West Palm Beach.