Caring for a child with complex medical needs in Miami-Dade can feel isolating, even in a vibrant city full of life. When you're managing feeding tubes, breathing treatments, and therapy schedules, you need more than just childcare—you need specialized medical support from people who understand both your child and your culture. Schedule a free consultation today to discover how Spark Pediatrics can help.
This guide will walk you through what PPEC centers offer, how Medicaid makes these services completely free, and what options are available right here in Miami-Dade County.
What Is PPEC? Medical Daycare for Children with Complex Needs
A PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) center is essentially a medical daycare designed specifically for children with significant health needs. Unlike traditional daycares, PPECs are licensed and equipped to handle complex medical protocols—from seizure management to respiratory support.
At a PPEC, your child receives:
- Skilled nursing care throughout the day
- A safe place to play and develop alongside peers
- Supervision of medications and treatments
- Support for developmental milestones
- A chance to experience childhood beyond their medical needs
What is a PPEC and how does it work? Learn more about these specialized centers and the comprehensive care they provide.
Medicaid Coverage for PPEC Services in Miami-Dade
Yes, Medicaid covers 100% of PPEC costs for eligible children in Miami-Dade County. There are no copays or out-of-pocket expenses for families.
To qualify for PPEC services, your child typically needs to:
- Be between birth and 20 years old
- Have a medical condition requiring ongoing skilled nursing care
- Be medically stable for care outside the home
- Have a doctor's prescription for PPEC services
While the Medicaid process can sometimes feel overwhelming, Spark Pediatrics' bilingual team can help answer your questions about paperwork and guide you through the enrollment process. We work with you to ensure your child gets the care they need without the stress of complex paperwork.
How to qualify for PPEC in Florida explains the eligibility requirements in more detail.
PPEC Centers in Miami-Dade County (2023 Updated List)
Spark Pediatrics – Miami
Located centrally to serve Miami's diverse communities, Spark Pediatrics Miami Center provides a warm, inclusive environment where medical expertise meets compassionate care. Our team includes bilingual staff dedicated to making every child and parent feel understood and supported.
Address: 735 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33125
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Other PPEC Providers in Miami-Dade County
We encourage you to tour multiple centers to find the right fit for your family:
Children's Care PPEC
Location: 9300 SW 72nd St, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33173
Phone: (305) 271-9821
SOL PPEC
Location: 2786 NW 79th Ave, Miami, FL 33122
Phone: (305) 960-7255
First Kid's PPEC
Location: 8681 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33155
(Contact via website for phone number)
ABC Pediatrics of Florida
Location: 14856 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33168
Phone: (305) 938-0406
Jackson Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care
Location: 1477 N.W. 8th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136
How to Enroll Your Child in PPEC: Simple Step-by-Step Process
The enrollment process is more straightforward than you might think:
- Get a Doctor's Order: Your child's doctor must provide a prescription for PPEC services. We can help by explaining what forms they need to complete.
- Choose Your PPEC: Schedule tours at centers you're interested in. This helps you get a feel for the environment and meet the staff who will care for your child.
- Medicaid Authorization: Your chosen PPEC will help guide you through this process, assisting with documentation submission to Medicaid.
- Plan Your First Day: The nursing team works collaboratively with you and your child's healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan that addresses your child's specific needs.
When families work with Spark, the enrollment process typically takes 7-10 business days, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.
Transportation Options for Miami-Dade Families
Transportation shouldn't be a barrier to getting your child the care they need. Several free options are available for eligible families:
Medicaid Transportation: Medicaid provides free transportation to and from PPEC centers. Spark helps families coordinate this service to ensure a smooth experience. For Miami-Dade County (Region 11), MTM is the official broker that arranges non-emergency medical transportation.
Special Transportation Service (STS): Miami-Dade Transit offers paratransit service for residents whose disabilities prevent them from using regular public transit.
Transportation Coordination: Spark helps families navigate these options, ensuring medical staff presence during transport and consistent pick-up/drop-off times whenever possible.
Therapy & Specialist Resources for Miami-Dade Children
Miami is home to excellent pediatric specialists. Spark creates a welcoming environment where your child's therapists can provide services, helping consolidate care in one location for your convenience.
Nearby Medical Resources:
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital: World-class specialty care and rehabilitation services
- Holtz Children's Hospital: Comprehensive pediatric services at UHealth/Jackson Memorial Medical Center
- Early Steps Southernmost Coast: Early intervention services for infants and toddlers
Spark's approach makes it easier for your child to receive G-tube care for babies at medical daycare and other specialized services while still enjoying social interaction with peers.
Community Support Programs for Miami-Dade Families
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. These local organizations offer additional support:
- Parent to Parent of Miami: Support, information, and advocacy for families of children with disabilities
- The Arc of South Florida: Non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- United Way Miami: Connects families to resources for housing, health, and food assistance
PPEC vs. private duty nursing: which is right for your child? This comparison can help you determine the best care option for your family's unique situation.
Real Miami-Dade Parent Experiences with PPEC
"I am Haitian and my son was born in Haiti. So it's a pleasure for me that there is a Haitian lady there… she's like my family. And she told me that they feed my son rice and beans. I was happy to hear that. Let's feed him good with the heartbeat of food!"
— Father of 15-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
Read more success stories from Spark families to hear how PPEC care has made a difference for children with complex medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Miami-Dade
How much does PPEC cost? Is it really free?
Yes. For families with Medicaid, PPEC services are 100% covered with no copays or hidden fees. Spark works directly with your insurance so you don't have to worry about billing.
How can I trust my child will be safe?
Trust is everything when it comes to your child's care. PPEC centers have secure access, experienced pediatric nurses, and low staff-to-child ratios (typically 1:3) that ensure your child receives careful supervision. Meet our skilled nursing and caregiving team to learn more about the professionals who will care for your child.
My child has a feeding tube. Can you manage that?
Yes. PPEC nurses are trained to manage G-tubes, NG-tubes, tracheostomies, seizure protocols, medication schedules, and more. Your child's care plan is developed collaboratively with you and your doctor to address their specific medical needs.
Will I know what's happening with my child during the day?
Absolutely. Spark provides daily reports including photos and updates. You can also call or text the nurses anytime to check in. Clear, consistent communication is a priority for every family.
My family speaks Spanish. Will we be understood?
Yes. The Miami center has staff members who are fluent in Spanish and English. Most Spark centers have staff who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole to ensure you can communicate comfortably about your child's needs.
Your Next Steps: Finding the Right PPEC in Miami-Dade
The best way to know if a PPEC center is right for your family is to visit in person. We encourage you to tour multiple centers, ask questions, and trust your instincts about where your child will receive the best care.
You've been carrying this weight alone for too long. Schedule your Miami center tour today and discover how the 5 key benefits of PPEC care for medically complex children can make a difference for your family.
Learn more about All Spark Pediatrics locations in Florida
Guía de Guardería Médica en Miami-Dade (Cubierta por Medicaid)