Finding the right care for your child with complex medical needs can be challenging. Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers offer specialized medical care designed to support children and their families. Here’s your guide to PPEC’s in Florida. Have questions? Call Spark Pediatrics to learn more.
What is PPEC? Understanding Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care
PPEC centers provide specialized medical and therapy services for children with complex conditions. Think of it as medical daycare where nurses and therapists work together to support your child's unique needs in a warm, kid-friendly environment.
Each PPEC center offers:
- Nursing care from experienced pediatric professionals
- Therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Developmental activities tailored to your child's abilities
- Medication management and specialized medical procedures
- Socialization with peers who understand your child's journey
According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, PPEC centers must meet strict standards to ensure children receive quality care in a safe environment.
How PPEC Centers Support Florida Families
Benefits for Your Child
Your child deserves both excellent medical care and the joy of childhood. At PPEC centers, they receive:
- Consistent medical monitoring by our team of specialized pediatric healthcare professionals
- Developmentally appropriate activities with friends who face similar challenges
- Coordinated therapy services that help them reach their potential
- A sense of belonging and community
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes how structured environments with specialized care can significantly improve outcomes for children with complex medical needs.
Benefits for Parents
As a parent, PPEC centers offer you:
- Time to work, attend school, or simply rest
- Relief from the constant vigilance of medical care
- Fewer emergency room visits (our care model has demonstrated this consistently)
- A community of parents who understand your journey
- Support resources for families of children with complex medical needs
What Makes Spark Pediatrics Different
Not all PPEC centers are the same. Here's why parents choose Spark Pediatrics:
Largest Network in Florida
With 12 centers across Florida, we're likely to have a location convenient for your family. This makes Spark Pediatrics PPEC centers across Florida accessible to more families than any other provider.
Expert Medical Leadership
Each Spark center is continuously staffed with at least one nurse possessing extensive pediatric critical care or NICU experience. Our typical staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 ensures your child receives personalized attention throughout the day.
Cultural and Linguistic Support
Most centers have staff fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole, creating an inclusive environment where families from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and understood.
Transportation Coordination
While Spark doesn't provide transportation directly, we help coordinate Medicaid's transportation services, ensuring medical staff presence on vehicles and consistent pick-up/drop-off times. Medicaid's Non-Emergency Transportation Services cover transportation to and from medical appointments and PPEC centers.
Collaborative Care Planning
Our medical team works with your child's doctors, therapists, and your family to develop a comprehensive care plan addressing medical protocols, therapy goals, and developmental milestones.
Spark Pediatrics PPEC Centers Throughout Florida
Finding care close to home matters. Our centers are strategically located throughout Florida:
- Arlington Center (Jacksonville): 10750 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 11, Jacksonville, FL 32225
- Cassat Center (Jacksonville): 1855 Cassat Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210
- Clearwater Center: 5291 110th Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33760
- Ft. Lauderdale Center: 900 NE 26th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Kissimmee Center: 3030 Dyer Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Miami Center: 735 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33125
- Orlando Center: 7054 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818
- Stuart Center: 1788 SE Indian Street, Unit J-K, Stuart, FL 34997
- Tallahassee Center: 1236 Blountstown St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
- Tamarac Center: 10060 W McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321
- West Palm Beach Center: 1720 S Congress Avenue, Palm Springs, FL 33461
Each center operates during extended hours (typically 12 hours daily) to accommodate working parents' schedules.
The Enrollment Process: Simple Steps to Get Started
We understand you're already juggling a lot. That's why we've made enrollment straightforward:
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a tour to meet our team and see our facilities.
- Eligibility Verification: We'll help determine if your child qualifies for PPEC services under Florida Medicaid.
- Care Plan Development: We'll work with your child's healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan.
- Paperwork Assistance: While we can't complete all paperwork for you, our team will guide you through the process and help answer questions about Medicaid documentation.
- Transition Planning: We'll help make your child's transition to Spark Pediatrics smooth and comfortable.
Follow our step-by-step guide to enrolling your child at Spark Pediatrics for more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPEC Centers
Who qualifies for PPEC services in Florida?
Children with complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing supervision and have a prescription from their doctor typically qualify. Florida KidCare Program can provide additional information about healthcare coverage for children.
How are PPEC services covered financially?
All PPEC services are fully covered by Medicaid with zero out-of-pocket costs for eligible children. Our team can help answer your questions about paperwork and make the insurance process go more smoothly.
Can my child's current therapists provide services at Spark?
Yes! We welcome your child's existing therapists to conduct physical, occupational, and speech therapy services at our centers. We also have some therapy services available on-site at select locations.
How do you handle my child's specific medical needs?
Each child receives an individualized care plan developed collaboratively with your family and medical providers. Our facilities feature specialized medical equipment and emergency response systems specifically designed for children with complex medical needs.
What should I bring for my child each day?
Typically, you'll need to bring medications, any specialized equipment not permanently at the center, extra clothing, and comfort items. Our team will provide a detailed list during your orientation.
How will I know how my child is doing during the day?
We provide regular updates through your preferred communication method. You're always welcome to call and check on your child, and we'll promptly inform you of any significant developments.
Supporting Your Family's Journey
Finding the right care for your child with complex medical needs is a significant decision. At Spark Pediatrics, we're committed to providing exceptional care in an environment where your child can thrive medically, developmentally, and socially.
The journey isn't always easy, but you don't have to walk it alone. Take the first step toward quality care for your child with Spark Pediatrics by scheduling a tour today.
When you're ready to explore how our PPEC centers can support your family, our team is here to answer your questions and welcome you into our community of care.