Parenting a child with complex medical needs in Osceola County comes with unique challenges. You're juggling doctor appointments, managing daily care, and trying to find reliable support—all while wanting the best for your child. You're doing an amazing job, and we're here to help make one part of your journey easier. Schedule a free consultation with our Kissimmee team to discover how PPEC care might be the support your family needs.
What Is a PPEC Center and How Does It Help Osceola County Families?
A PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) center is essentially a medical daycare where skilled pediatric nurses and therapists care for children with complex medical needs. Unlike traditional daycares, PPECs are specially equipped to handle medical conditions requiring daily nursing support—like feeding tubes, seizure monitoring, or respiratory care.
Your child receives expert medical attention while also enjoying play, learning, and friendships with other children. It's the perfect balance of healthcare and childhood experiences in one safe place.
Learn more about what makes PPEC centers unique
PPEC Centers Near Me in Osceola County (2025 Updated List)
Kissimmee is the hub for PPEC services in Osceola County. Here are your local options:
Spark Pediatrics – Kissimmee
Our Kissimmee center provides a warm, inclusive environment where expert medical care is integrated with developmental play. We take pride in our diverse, multilingual staff who reflect the vibrant community we serve.
Address: 3030 Dyer Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (813) 798-2809
View our Kissimmee center details and photos
What makes our Kissimmee center special:
- Low nurse-to-child ratios (typically 1:3) for personalized care
- Multilingual staff including Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers
- Welcoming environment for your child's therapists
- Assistance with coordinating Medicaid transportation
- Collaborative approach working with your child's medical team
Other PPEC Options in Osceola County
For a complete view of your choices, here are other licensed PPEC centers in Kissimmee:
BrightStart Pediatrics PPEC - Orlando
Location: 12377 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: (407) 321-9570
Learning Tree PPEC - Orlando
Location: 345 W Michigan St Ste 100, Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: (407) 336-7732
Does Medicaid Cover PPEC in Osceola County?
Yes. For eligible children in Osceola County, PPEC services are 100% covered by Florida Medicaid with no out-of-pocket costs or copays for your family.
To qualify, your child typically must:
- Be between birth and 20 years old
- Have a medical condition requiring skilled nursing care (prescribed by their doctor)
- Be medically stable enough for care in a non-residential setting
We Help with Medicaid Paperwork
Navigating Medicaid authorizations can be confusing. Our team can help answer your questions about the application process and connect you with resources to make things go more smoothly.
See our complete guide to applying for Medicaid PPEC coverage
How to Enroll Your Child in PPEC: Step by Step
Getting started is more straightforward than you might think:
- Get a Doctor's Order: Your child's doctor needs to write a prescription for PPEC services. We can help by providing the required forms for their office.
- Choose a PPEC Center: Schedule tours to see different facilities, meet the staff, and find the right fit for your child.
- Medicaid Authorization: Your chosen PPEC center will help guide you through submitting documentation to Medicaid for approval.
- Plan Your First Day: The center's team will work collaboratively with you and your child's healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan.
Most families complete this process within 2-3 weeks, though individual timelines may vary based on your specific situation.
Read our detailed step-by-step PPEC enrollment guide
Transportation Options in Osceola County
We understand transportation can be a major challenge for busy families.
Medicaid Transportation Services
Medicaid provides free transportation for eligible children. At Spark, we help families coordinate with these services to ensure your child has reliable rides to and from our center.
For Osceola County (Region 7), MTM is the official broker for non-emergency medical transportation. They arrange free rides to covered services, including PPEC.
ACCESS LYNX
This local paratransit service offers shared rides for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using regular bus service.
Learn everything about medical daycare transportation
Therapy & Specialist Resources for Osceola County Families
Osceola County families have access to excellent pediatric specialists and therapy services.
How Spark Supports Your Child's Therapy Needs
Our Kissimmee center creates a welcoming environment for your child's therapists to provide services on-site. This approach helps consolidate appointments in one location, making your schedule more manageable.
We actively coordinate with your child's therapy team to ensure consistent care approaches between therapy sessions and daily activities.
Discover how our integrated therapy approach helps children thrive
Local Specialist Resources:
- Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida: World-class pediatric care in nearby Lake Nona
- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & AdventHealth for Children: Comprehensive specialty care in Orlando
- Early Steps - Central Florida: Early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays
- Florida Children's Medical Services (CMS): Specialized care for children with complex health needs
Community Support Programs in Osceola County
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. These local organizations offer additional support:
- The Arc of Osceola County: Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Nathaniel's Hope: Provides "Buddy Break" respite care and hosts events for kids with special needs
- The Family Cafe: Connects families to information, training, and a statewide support network
- Florida KidCare: Additional health insurance options for Florida children
Compare PPEC to home nursing care options
What Osceola County Parents Say About PPEC
"It has to be clear for me that I'm gonna put my baby somewhere that I like and that I feel safe. When I went to Spark, the center staff gave me confidence. They explained everything and made me feel comfortable. Even though there's another PPEC closer to my house, Spark is the one that makes me feel better."
- Maria, mom of a 1-year-old boy:
"I can say from experience that Spark is the best place for kids who need special support. We recommend them to friends and family because they treat the children so well."
- Carlos, father of a 15-year-old son
Read more stories from Spark families
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Osceola County
How much does PPEC cost?
It is 100% covered for eligible children. Florida Medicaid covers all costs for PPEC services. There are no co-pays or hidden fees for your family.
How can I be sure my child will be safe?
Safety is our top priority. Our center is staffed with experienced pediatric nurses, features secure entrances, and has emergency response protocols. With a low nurse-to-child ratio (usually 1:3), your child receives constant monitoring that a traditional daycare cannot offer.
My child has a G-tube and needs respiratory therapies. Can you handle that?
Absolutely. Our nursing staff is trained in a wide range of medical needs, including feeding tubes (G-tubes), trach care, ventilator management, and seizure protocols. We work closely with you and your child's doctor to understand their specific care requirements.
Will I know what happens with my child during the day?
Yes. We believe in open communication. We use tools for daily updates, photos, and messages. You can call or text anytime, and our nurses provide a detailed report of your child's day at pick-up.
How is a PPEC different from a regular daycare?
Unlike traditional daycares, PPECs have trained medical staff (including nurses), specialized equipment, and expertise in managing complex medical conditions. We maintain lower staff-to-child ratios (typically 1:3) to ensure each child receives proper attention and care.
Visit Our Kissimmee PPEC Center
The best way to know if Spark is right for your child is to see it yourself. We invite you to tour our Kissimmee center, meet our nurses, watch the children play, and get answers to all your questions in a warm, welcoming environment.
You're doing an amazing job. Let us help lighten your load.
Guía para Padres del Condado de Osceola sobre PPEC