What Is a PPEC? A Parent’s Guide to Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care

If your child's doctor has mentioned a PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) center, you may be wondering what it actually is — and whether it's the right place for your little one. In simple terms, a PPEC is a state-licensed pediatric medical daycare where children with complex medical needs receive skilled nursing and therapy during the day, then go home to their families each evening. This guide walks you through exactly how it works, here in Hollywood, FL.

What Is a PPEC, Exactly?

A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) center is a non-residential facility, licensed by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), that provides continuous skilled nursing and developmental care for medically complex and medically fragile children — from birth through age 20. A child's physician prescribes PPEC when they need ongoing medical supervision that goes beyond what a typical daycare or babysitter can safely provide.

Think of it as the meeting point between a hospital's clinical expertise and the warmth and play of a nurturing daycare. Children can attend for up to 12 hours a day, receiving the care they need while still enjoying the social interaction, learning, and play that every child deserves — and then returning home to sleep in their own beds with their families each night.

What Services Does a PPEC Provide?

One of the biggest advantages of a PPEC is that so much of your child's care happens under a single roof, coordinated by one caring team. At Peek A Boo Pediatric Care, that includes:

• Skilled pediatric nursing — medication management, feeding-tube (G-tube) care, tracheostomy and respiratory support, and monitoring throughout the day
• Physical therapy to build strength, mobility, and motor skills
• Occupational therapy to develop everyday and fine-motor skills
• Speech and feeding therapy to support communication and safe eating
• ABA and behavioral therapy for children who benefit from it
• Developmental play and early learning tailored to each child's abilities
• Nutritious meals through a supervised food program
• Caregiver education so families feel confident continuing care at home

Therapy that feels like play

For children with developmental delays or complex needs, consistent therapy makes an enormous difference. Because therapists are on-site every day, your child can receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy woven naturally into their routine — no separate appointments to juggle across town. Best of all, it's designed to feel like play, not work.

PPEC vs. Home Health vs. Regular Daycare

Many parents come to us comparing their options. Here's how a PPEC is different:

PPEC vs. home health nursing

Home health brings one nurse to your home for set hours. A PPEC offers a full clinical team, on-site therapies, specialized equipment, and the social and developmental benefits of being around other children — something a home setting simply can't replicate. For many families, a PPEC also offers more consistent coverage and fewer gaps when a single home nurse is unavailable.

PPEC vs. a traditional daycare

A regular daycare is not staffed or licensed to manage feeding tubes, oxygen, seizures, or other medical needs. A PPEC is purpose-built and AHCA-licensed for exactly that — so your child is both medically safe and able to enjoy a true childhood experience.

Which Children Benefit Most From a PPEC?

PPEC care is designed for children with complex medical needs who require regular skilled nursing or therapy. While every child is evaluated individually, common situations include children who:

• Have a feeding tube (G-tube or NG-tube) or need help with nutrition
• Require tracheostomy care, oxygen, or other respiratory support
• Were born prematurely or are recovering after a long hospital stay
• Live with a genetic, neurological, or congenital condition
• Need ongoing medication management or close monitoring
• Would benefit from daily physical, occupational, or speech therapy

Not sure if your child qualifies? Our team is always happy to talk it through with you — and you can also visit our Who Qualifies page to learn more.

A Day at Peek A Boo Pediatric Care

From the moment your child arrives in Hollywood, FL, they're greeted by familiar, caring faces. Days are gently structured around your child's individual care plan: nursing assessments and medications, scheduled therapies, supervised meals and snacks, rest time, and plenty of play, music, and learning in between. Parents receive regular updates, and our nurses and therapists work as one team — with you at the center of it.

To meet the team behind that care, visit our Who We Are page — we'd love for you to get to know us.

How to Enroll Your Child

Getting started is simpler than most parents expect. It begins with a physician's prescription (referral) for PPEC services, followed by a short eligibility and intake process. For most families in Florida, PPEC is fully covered by Medicaid — meaning little to no out-of-pocket cost.

We've written a complete companion guide on coverage and eligibility: Does Florida Medicaid Cover PPEC? Eligibility & How to Qualify. And whenever you're ready, our team will walk you through every step.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Whether PPEC is appropriate for your child is determined by your child's physician and Florida Medicaid eligibility guidelines. Please consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your family.