Choosing the Right PPEC Center for Your Child

1. Choosing the Right PPEC Center for Your Child Finding the right PPEC center means choosing a care partner who becomes part of your child's medical team and your family's support system.

2. FOUNDATION What Is a PPEC Facility? A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) center is a medically supervised daycare for children with special medical needs. These facilities provide healthcare, therapies, and developmental activities in a safe environment. PPEC centers have registered nurses on staff who handle ventilators, feeding tubes, medication administration, and medical emergencies—care that traditional daycares cannot provide.

3. PPEC vs Traditional Daycare Feature PPEC Center Traditional Daycare Medical Staff Licensed nurses on-site Basic first aid training Equipment Ventilators, feeding pumps, oxygen Standard childcare supplies Therapies PT, OT, ST included Not typically available Child-to-Staff Ratio 1:3 or better Often 1:10 or higher Medicaid Coverage Yes, with authorization Limited or none

4. ESSENTIAL STEPS Verify Licensing and Staffing 1 2 3 Check Licensing Evaluate Medical Staff Visit During Hours All Florida PPEC centers must be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Verify their license online and review inspection records. Ask about nurse-to-child ratios, staff training for your child's specific condition, physician availability, and emergency protocols. Observe how nurses interact with children during business hours. Watch how staff handles medical needs and responds to situations.

5. Therapy Services Matter Physical Therapy Improves strength and mobility through targeted exercises and activities. Occupational Therapy Helps develop daily living skills and independence. Speech Therapy Enhances communication abilities and language development. Social Activities Promotes social growth through recreational activities with peers.

6. Safety and Cleanliness Checklist What to Look For: Clean, well-maintained equipment Appropriate medical supplies and backup systems Safe play areas with ADA-compliant toys Clear emergency exits and evacuation plans Strong infection prevention procedures Trust your instincts. If something feels off during your tour, it probably is.

7. COVERAGE Understanding Medicaid Coverage 01 02 Physician's Prescription Medicaid Eligibility Your child needs a doctor's prescription for PPEC services. Child must be eligible for Florida Medicaid coverage. 03 04 Prior Authorization Documentation Obtain authorization from the managed care plan. Ongoing medical necessity documentation is required. Quality PPEC centers have dedicated staff to help with insurance paperwork and authorization processes.

8. Red Flags to Watch For High Staff Turnover Lack of Transparency Frequent staff changes indicate instability. Reluctance to answer questions or share information. Poor Maintenance Dismissive Attitude Outdated or badly maintained equipment. Not addressing parents' concerns seriously. Unclear Protocols Pressure Tactics Vague emergency procedures or safety plans. Pushing you to sign up immediately. Your child deserves the best. Never compromise on their health and happiness.

9. Frequently Asked Questions What conditions qualify? What does it cost? Children with complex medical needs like tracheostomies, feeding tubes, seizure disorders, or requiring constant nurse supervision typically qualify. Florida Medicaid usually covers PPEC services when medically necessary and properly authorized. Private insurance may also provide coverage. What's the staff ratio? Can parents visit anytime? Florida law requires at least one staff member for every three children. Quality facilities often maintain even lower ratios. Yes, quality PPEC centers have open-door policies allowing parent visits during business hours with simple check-in procedures.

10. Ready to Find Your Perfect PPEC Partner? Choosing the right PPEC center transforms your family's life. It provides peace of mind knowing trained professionals care for your child while they receive medical care, therapy, and social interaction. Schedule a Tour Don't wait to give your child the specialized care they deserve! GenCare Kids offers comprehensive PPEC services with a family-focused approach to families in Central Florida seeking exceptional care.