Feeling overwhelmed trying to find safe, reliable care for your child with complex medical needs in Jacksonville? You're juggling doctor's appointments, therapy schedules, and constant care demands—all while wondering if you're making the right choices. It's exhausting, and you deserve support.
This guide gives you clear answers about PPEC centers (medical daycares) in Duval County, how Medicaid covers the cost, and what options are available right here in Jacksonville. Let's find the best fit for your child and family.
<a href="https://www.sparkpediatrics.com/get-started">Schedule a no-obligation tour at our Jacksonville centers</a> to see firsthand how we can help your family.
What Is PPEC? Medical Daycare Explained for Jacksonville Parents
Think of a PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) center as a daycare staffed with pediatric nurses and therapists instead of just teachers. It's where your child receives expert medical care, developmental therapies, and gets to play with other kids who understand their journey—all in one place.
Unlike traditional daycares that aren't equipped to handle feeding tubes, ventilators, or seizure protocols, a PPEC is specifically designed for children with medical complexities. It bridges the gap between hospital and home, giving your child the clinical support they need alongside the social, happy childhood they deserve.
PPEC centers serve children from birth through age 20 who have medical conditions requiring daily nursing care. Your child can attend part-time or full-time, depending on their needs and your family's schedule.
Learn more about PPEC in our complete guide.
Does Medicaid Cover PPEC in Duval County?
Yes, for eligible children, Medicaid covers 100% of PPEC services in Duval County with no out-of-pocket expenses for your family.
To qualify, your child generally needs to:
- Be between birth and 20 years of age
- Have a medical condition requiring ongoing nursing care (as determined by your child's doctor)
- Be medically stable enough to receive care in a non-residential setting
The Medicaid authorization process can feel complicated, but the team at Spark Pediatrics can help answer your questions about paperwork and make the process go more smoothly. We'll help guide you through getting the necessary documentation from your child's doctor and submitting it properly.
For official details on Medicaid eligibility, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website or learn how to apply for Medicaid to cover PPEC services.
PPEC Centers Serving Jacksonville & Duval County (2025 List)
Jacksonville offers several PPEC options, giving parents choices for their child's care. While we're proud of our Spark centers, our first goal is helping you find the right fit for your family.
Spark Pediatrics – Jacksonville (Cassat & Arlington)
Spark Pediatrics is the only PPEC provider in Duval County with multiple locations, offering families a choice between our Westside and Southside centers. We focus on integrating quality medical care with developmental support and social opportunities.
Spark Pediatrics - Cassat (Westside) Center
Address: 1855 Cassat Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Spark Pediatrics - Arlington (Southside) Center
Address: 10750 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 11, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Like all of our Spark Pediatrics locations across Florida and Texas, our Jacksonville centers feature:
- At least one highly experienced pediatric nurse on staff at all times
- Dedicated spaces for therapy services
- Low staff-to-child ratios (typically 1:3)
- Staff members who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole at most centers
- A warm, welcoming environment that balances medical care with childhood fun
Other PPEC Providers in Duval County
To ensure you have a complete picture of your options, here are other licensed PPEC centers serving the Jacksonville area:
Fletcher's Tender Care PPEC
Location: 641 W 4th St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: (904) 858-9797
Advanced Care Partners PPEC
Location: 9731 Beach Blvd, Suite 29, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Phone: (904) 450-5309
How to Enroll Your Child in a Jacksonville PPEC: Step by Step
Getting started with PPEC services can be broken down into these simple steps:
1. Get a Doctor's Order
Your child's pediatrician or specialist needs to sign a prescription for PPEC services. Most centers can send the necessary form directly to their office to make this easier.
2. Choose a PPEC Center
Schedule tours at centers that interest you. This is your chance to meet the nurses, see the environment, and ask questions. We invite you to schedule your free tour today at either of our Jacksonville locations.
3. Complete Medicaid Authorization
Once you choose a center, their team will help guide you through submitting the doctor's order and other required documents to Medicaid for approval.
4. Plan Your First Day
The center will work with you to create a care plan in collaboration with your child's medical team. They'll provide a checklist for your child's first day, including medications, supplies, and comfort items they'll need.
Most families can complete the enrollment process in about 7-10 business days when working with an experienced PPEC provider.
For a more detailed look at PPEC eligibility, you can review the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration guidelines.
Transportation Options in Duval County
Getting your child to and from the center safely is a major concern. Fortunately, there are several reliable options available:
Medicaid Transportation
For Duval County (Region 4), the official Medicaid transportation broker is MTM. They can arrange free rides to medical appointments, including PPEC services. Spark helps coordinate this service to make things easier, working with MTM to ensure consistent pick-up/drop-off times and confirming that medical staff are present on vehicles when needed.
Visit MTM's Florida site for more information on their services.
JTA Connexion
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers a paratransit service called Connexion for individuals with disabilities who cannot use standard bus routes. Learn more on the JTA Connexion website.
Therapy & Medical Resources in Jacksonville
One of the biggest benefits of a PPEC is having therapy and medical care consolidated in one location. Spark centers provide dedicated spaces for therapy sessions and can work with your child's existing providers.
On-Site Therapy at PPEC
Spark Pediatrics creates a welcoming environment for your child's existing therapists to conduct sessions at our centers. This means fewer trips for your family and better coordination between therapists and nursing staff.
Our comprehensive medical and therapy services include space for:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Feeding therapy
Additional Medical Resources in Duval County
Jacksonville is home to world-class pediatric healthcare resources:
- Wolfson Children's Hospital - A nationally recognized hospital providing comprehensive pediatric specialty care
- Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville - Offering a wide range of specialty care and services
- Early Steps - Northeast Florida - Providing critical early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays
Community Support for Jacksonville Families
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. These local organizations provide financial assistance, advocacy, and community support:
- The Arc Jacksonville - Offering advocacy, support, and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences
- United Way of Northeast Florida - Connecting families to resources through their 2-1-1 helpline
- Family Care Council Florida - Area 4 - Providing local advocacy for families with developmental disabilities
If you're weighing different care options, you might find our guide on PPEC vs. Home Health Care helpful.
Real Parent Experiences in Jacksonville
Hearing from other parents who have been in your shoes can make all the difference:
"The communication is phenomenal and aids with easing you down when you get those nervous waves that come with leaving your child elsewhere. Every nurse and staff member works very well with attempting to accommodate the needs of the child and make you the parent feel secure with their stay every single day."
— Yaelin C, Google Reviewer
"I'm a single mom and they see that… They lent me a helping hand and they'd say, 'Just let us know. We can help out daily with your kids.' This center is such a big help. Not only for me, but for my son. Because I love people that love my kids, and they really do love [my son]. They bend over backwards for [my son] like he's their child."
— Mom of 5-year-old son
Read more success stories from Spark families.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Jacksonville
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 works directly with Medicaid for billing, so you never have to worry about it.
How can I be sure my child will be safe?
Safety is our top priority. Our centers maintain low nurse-to-child ratios (typically 1:3), have at least one experienced pediatric nurse on staff at all times, feature secure entrances, and have emergency response systems in place. This level of monitoring simply isn't possible in traditional daycare settings.
My child has a G-tube and needs breathing treatments. Can you handle that?
Absolutely. Our nursing staff is trained in managing a wide range of medical needs, including feeding tubes (G-tubes, NG-tubes), tracheostomy care, ventilator management, seizure protocols, and medication administration. We work with your child's medical team to create detailed care plans.
Will I know what's happening with my child during the day?
Yes. We believe in open communication. We provide regular updates, and you can call or text anytime to check in. Our staff provides a detailed report of your child's day at pick-up.
What if my family speaks Spanish or Haitian Creole?
Most of our centers, including our Jacksonville locations, have staff members who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole. We're committed to providing care that respects your family's language and cultural background.
For more information, visit our complete FAQ page.
Next Steps: See a Jacksonville PPEC Center for Yourself
The best way to know if a PPEC center is right for your child is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to schedule your free tour today at our Cassat or Arlington location. Meet our nurses, see the children at play, and get all your questions answered in a warm, welcoming environment.
You're doing an incredible job caring for your child. Let us help carry some of the load.