When you're raising a child with complex medical needs in Broward County, finding trusted care that understands your family's unique journey can feel overwhelming. You deserve support from people who see your child first—not just their medical equipment. This guide will show you how PPEC centers in Broward County can provide expert medical care in a place where your child can also make friends, play, and just be a kid—all while being 100% covered by Medicaid.
What Is PPEC in Broward County? Medical Daycare Explained
PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) combines skilled nursing care with a warm, engaging daycare environment. Unlike traditional daycares, PPEC centers are specially equipped to handle feeding tubes, respiratory support, medication management, and other complex medical needs while still providing a fun, social setting where your child can develop and thrive.
Each day at a PPEC center like Spark Pediatrics includes:
- Continuous monitoring by experienced pediatric nurses
- Developmental activities tailored to your child's abilities
- Social interaction with other children
- A safe space where medical needs don't prevent childhood fun
Learn more about PPEC services and benefits
Medicaid Coverage for PPEC in Broward County: What Parents Need to Know
Yes, PPEC services in Broward County are typically 100% covered by Medicaid for eligible children. There are no out-of-pocket costs or hidden fees for families.
To qualify for coverage, your child generally needs to:
- Be between birth and 20 years old
- Have a medical condition requiring daily nursing supervision
- Have a doctor's prescription for PPEC services
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration oversees PPEC services, ensuring quality standards are maintained while providing this essential support to families.
Medicaid Paperwork Help
At Spark Pediatrics, we help answer your questions about the Medicaid process and can assist with paperwork and coordination. Our team works with your child's doctors to gather necessary documentation and help make the authorization process smoother. We're here to help with insurance questions so you can focus on your child.
Learn how to apply for Medicaid coverage for PPEC
PPEC Centers Serving Broward County (2025 Updated List)
Broward County offers several PPEC options, each with its own approach. We encourage you to tour any center you're considering to find the right fit for your family.
Spark Pediatrics – Fort Lauderdale & Tamarac
At Spark, we focus on providing expert medical care in an environment that feels like family. With two convenient Broward County locations, we're committed to supporting both your child's health needs and their joy.
Spark Pediatrics - Fort Lauderdale
Address: 900 NE 26th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Learn more about our Fort Lauderdale center
Spark Pediatrics - Tamarac
Address: 10060 W McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321
Phone: (813) 798-2809
Explore our Tamarac center
Other PPEC Providers in Broward County
Kidz Korner PPEC - Plantation
Location: 4250 NW 5th Street, Plantation, FL
Brave Kids PPEC
Location: 10168 W Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065
Tips for finding the best PPEC for your child's needs
How PPEC Enrollment Works in Broward County
We make the enrollment process as simple as possible for busy families. Here's how it typically works:
- Doctor's Order: Your child's doctor provides a prescription for PPEC services. We can help coordinate with them to get the process started.
- Center Tour: Visit our centers to meet our team, see our facilities, and ask questions. We want you to feel completely comfortable with your choice.
- Medicaid Coordination: Our team helps answer questions about Medicaid paperwork and works with you throughout the approval process.
- Collaborative Care Planning: Our medical team works with your child's doctors, therapists, and your family to develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses your child's specific needs.
Most families complete enrollment and are ready to start within 7-10 business days.
Schedule a no-obligation tour to get started.
Transportation Options for PPEC in Broward County
Transportation to and from PPEC shouldn't be another worry on your list. Medicaid offers free transportation services, and we can help you coordinate this process.
Medicaid Transportation
Medicaid provides free transportation to and from medical appointments, including PPEC services. In Broward County (Region 10), ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare) is the official broker for arranging non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid members.
Spark helps families by:
- Assisting with transportation scheduling
- Coordinating pick-up and drop-off times
- Ensuring medical staff presence on vehicles when needed
- Helping resolve any transportation issues
Additional Broward County Transportation Resources
Broward County TOPS! operates this shared-ride service for residents with disabilities who cannot use the regular bus system.
Therapy Services at Broward County PPEC Centers
Children with complex medical needs often require various therapies as part of their care plan. At Spark Pediatrics, we make therapy coordination easier for families.
How Therapy Works at Spark Pediatrics
We create a welcoming environment where:
- Your child's existing therapists can conduct sessions at our centers
- Multiple therapies can be consolidated in one location
- Our nursing staff collaborates with therapists for integrated care
- Your child receives therapy in a familiar, comfortable setting
Available therapies may vary by location, but commonly include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy.
Learn about our comprehensive care services
Medical Care and Staff Qualifications
The quality of care your child receives depends on the expertise of the staff. At Spark Pediatrics:
- Each center is continuously staffed with at least one nurse possessing extensive pediatric experience
- Our team includes professionals trained in managing complex medical conditions
- Staff-to-child ratios are typically around 1:3, ensuring your child receives proper attention
- Our caregivers are selected not only for their medical skills but also for their genuine love of working with children
Meet our experienced team of caregivers
Broward County Healthcare Resources for Special Needs Children
Broward County offers excellent resources for children with complex medical needs:
Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
A leading pediatric hospital in Hollywood known for its outstanding specialty care.
Salah Foundation Children's Hospital at Broward Health
A comprehensive children's hospital in Fort Lauderdale offering specialized pediatric services.
Early Steps - Southernmost Coast
The local early intervention program for children from birth to 3 years old.
The Arc Broward
A vital resource offering advocacy, programs, and support for families of children with developmental disabilities.
Children's Services Council of Broward County
An organization that funds and supports programs for local children and families.
What Broward County Parents Say About PPEC
Parents who've chosen PPEC for their children share their experiences:
"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 were the ones that gave me confidence. They explained how it works and gave me a lot of information… 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
"I love Spark. I wish my boys could stay longer… They know how to crawl now! One of my babies, he's trying to walk and he knows how to stand up. There's a lot that they're teaching them at PPEC that they were never taught before."
— Mom to NICU twins
Read more success stories from Spark families
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC in Broward County
How much does PPEC actually cost?
It is 100% free for families with qualifying Medicaid plans. There are no copays or hidden charges for PPEC services. We help coordinate billing directly with the insurance provider.
How do I know my child will be safe?
Safety is our foundation. Our centers have secure, key-coded entries, experienced pediatric nurses are always on-site, and our low nurse-to-child ratio (often 1:3) ensures constant supervision. We are equipped to handle medical emergencies with confidence.
My child is non-verbal and has a G-tube. How will you care for them?
Our nurses are experienced in all forms of complex care, including G-tubes, trach care, seizure management, and more. We are also skilled in communicating with non-verbal children and learning their unique cues to ensure they feel understood and cared for.
My family speaks Spanish and Haitian Creole. Will we be understood?
Yes. Our centers in Broward County are staffed with bilingual team members who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole. We are committed to ensuring every family feels welcomed, respected, and clearly understood.
Is this better than home nursing?
Many families find PPEC to be a wonderful alternative. Unlike the isolation of home care, PPEC allows your child to socialize, make friends, and participate in developmental activities, all while receiving expert nursing care. It gives them the best of both worlds.
Find answers to more common questions about our services
Ready to Explore PPEC Options in Broward County?
The best way to know if a PPEC center is right for your family is to visit in person. We invite you to tour our Fort Lauderdale or Tamarac centers, meet our team, and see how we might be able to support your child and family.
You're not alone on this journey. We're here to help.
Guía de PPEC en el Condado de Broward (en Español)
Ofrecemos servicios en español en nuestros centros de Broward County. Para más información o para programar un recorrido en español, por favor llame a:
Spark Pediatrics Fort Lauderdale: (813) 798-2809
Spark Pediatrics Tamarac: (813) 798-2809