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Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Services

Welcome to a World Where Joy Meets Care: Our PPEC offers a heartfelt, nurturing environment tailored for children’s health and happiness. embark on a wellness journey with us, where every child is cherished and supported in a safe, fun-filled haven!

About Our PPEC Center

Our prescribed pediatric extended care services let your kids be kids. Our state-of-the-art facility was designed with children in mind, allowing them to play, dream, and grow — all while meeting their physiological, developmental, nutrition, and social needs. Our goal, through PPEC, is to impact the lives of our medically complex children from the early stages of life all the way into early adulthood. In this nurturing environment, each child receives individualized care and therapy from our dedicated team of clinicians, fostering growth and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential. We collaborate closely with families to create a seamless extension of care from home to our center.

What is PPEC?

Prescribed pediatric extended care, or PPEC for short, is provided at a non-residential center that serves medically complex or technologically dependent children under the age of 21 who require short, long-term, or intermittent medical care due to medically complex conditions.

The ACP PPEC provides services to medically complex children who cannot attend a regular daycare. Our services meet the child’s physiological, developmental, nutrition, and social needs. We provide nursing and psychosocial services, developmental therapies, caregiver training, and personal care support to our children. We create a supportive and stimulating environment where children can thrive, interact, and learn with their peers. Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure that every child achieves their individual health and developmental goals, promoting a sense of normalcy and high quality of life.

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What is the Purpose of PPEC?

We believe that all kids deserve the chance to be kids — regardless of their needs. The purpose of prescribed pediatric extended care is to enable children with medically complex conditions to receive medical and therapeutic care at a non-residential pediatric center, where they can enjoy a day-care environment that’s safe and designed specifically for them.

It provides crucial relief for families, ensuring continuous medical care, developmental support, and social interaction in a structured setting. Overall, the purpose of PPEC is to enhance the quality of life for children with special healthcare needs and their families by providing a comprehensive, cost-effective alternative to hospitalization or home health care.

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How is our PPEC different?

ACP is a family company that’s dedicated to providing quality, specialized healthcare to medically fragile/complex children in the most developmentally appropriate, cost-effective setting.

We provide quality skilled nursing care, developmental therapies, family support, and education to medically fragile/complex children up to 21 years of age. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective medical plan of care in an environment that allows children and families to grow and develop. Each plan of care is individualized to meet the medical needs of the child’s care.

We also emphasize holistic wellness, ensuring each child receives not only medical but also emotional and social support. Our approach is centered on family involvement, aiming to educate and empower parents and siblings, fostering a supportive community for all.

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Behind Our PPEC Center Design

Every detail of our prescribed pediatric extended care center was designed to provide a magical experience for our children. From the entrance to the exit, we invite your family to travel through the eyes of our mascot, the emperor penguin, as it explores the world and experiences new cultures. We celebrate our world’s diversity, its brilliance, and the wildlife that makes our world special.

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At the ACP PPEC, our children find a place where they can dream and be kids. In our unique center-based program, we create a safe, warm, and nurturing learning environment for our children to grow and develop.

Studies have shown that play is essential to learning, and purposeful play activities form the foundation for healthy self-esteem and success later in school and life. Activities and lesson plans are developed based on the child’s developmental level and interests, and are implemented in a flexible manner.

Our thematic adventures, inspired by our penguin’s journeys, enhance cultural understanding and environmental awareness, turning everyday experiences into extraordinary learning opportunities that encourage creativity, curiosity, and social skills.

Why Would I Need Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care?

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) is designed for families of medically complex or technologically dependent children who require more than just routine childcare. If your child has special medical needs that necessitate professional nursing oversight, therapeutic services, or specialized developmental support, PPEC provides a solution that balances medical care with nurturing developmental environments. It’s an essential service for parents who work or need respite, ensuring their child receives continuous, comprehensive care in a setting equipped to handle their unique health requirements. PPEC centers offer a structured, safe space where children engage in educational and social activities tailored to their abilities, promoting their growth and development. By choosing PPEC, you ensure your child not only receives the necessary medical attention but also benefits from a stimulating environment that fosters their potential, making it a valuable resource for families navigating the challenges of complex pediatric care.

  • Medical Fragility
  • Therapeutic Services
  • Care Coordination
  • Family Support
  • Safety and Monitoring

Benefits of Choosing Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) offers a unique blend of medical and developmental support for children with complex health needs. By choosing PPEC, families gain access to a comprehensive care environment designed specifically for their child’s unique requirements. This includes specialized medical attention, therapeutic services, and educational activities, all within a safe and nurturing setting. PPEC not only supports the child’s health and development but also provides peace of mind to parents, knowing their child is in capable hands. The integration of health care with developmental support ensures that children can thrive, not just medically, but in all aspects of their growth.

Tailored Medical Care

Tailored medical care in PPEC centers means that every child receives individualized attention based on their specific medical conditions. Skilled nursing staff and healthcare professionals work closely with each family to develop personalized care plans, ensuring that medical treatments align with the child’s developmental and health goals, optimizing their well-being.

Integrated Therapies

Integrated therapies in PPEC settings encompass a range of services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, designed to meet the diverse needs of children. These therapies are woven into daily activities, ensuring that children not only receive medical care but also support for their developmental and rehabilitative needs in a cohesive manner.

Coordinated Specialist Care

PPEC centers offer coordinated specialist care, facilitating seamless collaboration among pediatricians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. This coordination ensures that all aspects of a child’s health are addressed, from acute medical needs to ongoing therapeutic interventions, creating a comprehensive care strategy tailored to each child’s unique circumstances.

Family Support Services

Family support services in PPEC programs extend beyond child care, offering counseling, education, and respite for parents and siblings. These services aim to strengthen the family unit, providing resources and support that help families navigate the complexities of raising a medically complex child, ensuring no one feels they are facing these challenges alone.

Enhanced Safety Monitoring

Enhanced safety monitoring in PPEC centers is paramount, featuring advanced medical equipment and trained staff vigilant in overseeing the health and well-being of each child. This continuous monitoring ensures that any signs of distress or deviation from a child’s normal health status are quickly identified and addressed, maintaining a secure environment.

PPEC Locations

Port Saint Lucie, FL

3451 SW Darwin Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953
Phone: 772-408-9588
Fax: 210-692-0223
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday Availability

Fort Pierce, FL

2401 Frist Blvd Suite 9, Fort Pierce, Florida 34950
Phone: 772-710-4840
Fax: 772-249-0160
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday Availability

Titusville, FL

5670 S. Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-346-4502
Fax: 772-672-4728
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday Availability

Jacksonville, FL

9731 Beach Blvd. Ste. 29 Jacksonville, FL 32246
Phone: 904-450-5309
Fax: 321-567-4795
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday Availability

New Port Richey, FL

7701 Little Rd, Suite 102, New Port Richey, FL 34654

Coming Soon!

If you’re interested in learning more about our PPEC center or would like to leave a referral, please don’t hesitate to call at 470-270-3039. We’re here to assist you!

Bartow, FL

2020 Flamingo Dr.Bartow, FL 33830

Coming Soon!

If you’re interested in learning more about our PPEC center or would like to leave a referral, please don’t hesitate to call at 470-270-3039. We’re here to assist you!

Services We Offer

Our state-of-the-art facility was designed with medically complex children in mind, allowing them to play, dream, and grow — all while meeting their physiological, developmental, nutrition, and social needs. Our goal, through PPEC, is to impact the lives of our medically complex children from the early stages of life all the way into early adulthood. In this nurturing environment, each child receives individualized care and therapy from our dedicated team of clinicians, fostering independence and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential. We collaborate closely with families to create a seamless extension of care from home to our center.

Schedule a Tour of the PPEC Center!

Open six days a week, our caring team of pediatric professionals provides the highest quality day health care services in a beautifully designed center. Our patients are Medicaid-eligible children from birth through age 20 with medically-complex conditions. We specialize in high-acuity patients.

  • Skilled Nursing
  • Unskilled Nursing Care
  • Developmental Services
  • Therapy Services
  • Weekend Care
  • Family Support and Education
  • Caregiver Support and Education

How to Qualify

Be Medicaid Eligible 

PPEC children need to have an active Medicaid number to receive our services.

Be Under 21 Years of Age 

Our PPEC accepts children from birth to 21 years of age.

Be Diagnosed

Be diagnosed with a medically complex or medically fragile condition.

Be Medically Stable

Be medically stable and do not present a significant risk to other children or personnel at the center.

 Continuous Care

Require short, long-term, intermittent continuous therapeutic interventions, or skilled nursing care due to a medically complex condition.

Physician Sign-Off

Have your physician sign the order for it to be approved by EQ.

Our Port St. Lucie PPEC Daycare

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide diapers for my child?

Yes, the children’s diapers are changed at least every two hours. Certain circumstances or medical conditions may require your child to be changed more frequently. Parents of children who wear diapers will need to supply the center with an adequate amount of disposable diapers. Please plan for at least 6-8 diaper changes per day. Our PPEC is not equipped with a diaper inventory.

What are the protocols in the event of inclement weather?

The PPEC will follow the local school system’s recommendation regarding closings. The PPEC will communicate with you via phone call or written communication. You can also call the center regarding closings or delays.

Does the PPEC center offer transportation?

Transportation services are available to and from the center. This will be arranged through the child’s Medicaid transportation. A written agreement must be signed and a predetermined pickup and drop off time and location agreed upon. An ACP transportation escort (nurse or EMT) will be present on the vehicle for transportation of your child.

What if my child needs to take medication throughout the day?

All medications administered in the center must have a physician’s order. This includes over the counter medicines such as Tylenol and topical creams or ointment, such as Destin. All medications must be in the original pharmacy container with the label containing the child’s name, fill date, and dosage. No medication will be administered if not in the proper container with the proper labeling. Medication labels can be used as a physician’s order. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the center staff informed of ANY medication changes. The staff will monitor for any adverse medication reactions and notify the parent/guardian by phone. You will be provided with written documentation of symptoms and any treatment administered by the nursing staff.

Who can pick up my child from the PPEC center?

Children are released only to authorized personnel listed on the enrollment form. You can add authorized personnel at any time.

Children will not be released to other persons without written permission from the parent/guardian. Persons unfamiliar to the staff will be required to show a valid driver’s license or picture identification.

What is the PPEC center’s sick childcare policy?

Children may not attend the center if they have any of the following contagious symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, rash, green mucus, pink eye, head lice or other communicable illness (RSV, chicken pox, etc.), or temperature equal to or greater than 101.4 degrees and any other condition deemed medically necessary by the Director of Nursing of the center. Children who are ill and cannot remain in the classroom must be picked up within two hours of parent/guardian notification.

Children may return to the center when they have been symptom-free for 24 hours or fever-free without medication for 24 hours. A physician authorization may be needed for the individual to return to the center. It is the decision of the Director of Nursing and/or center Administrator when such a condition exists.

What information about my child am I required to disclose?

Our PPEC must be informed of any child’s MD appointments, new physician’s orders, change of medication, change of insurance, hospitalizations, ER visits, scheduled surgeries, vacations, and time off from PPEC.

Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement for enrollment in the PPEC program?

Our PPEC program welcomes children from birth up to the age of 21 years old, ensuring a broad spectrum of care for those in need.

Are meals and snacks provided for my child during their time at the PPEC center?

At our PPEC center, we offer two nutritious meals and a snack daily, thoughtfully prepared to meet the dietary needs and preferences of our young clients.

How are emergency situations handled at the PPEC center?

Emergency situations at our PPEC center are handled with utmost care and precision. We adhere to both our center’s and the city’s emergency protocols, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response. Additionally, upon intake, we establish personalized emergency protocols for each specific child under our care, considering their unique medical conditions and needs.

How does the PPEC center handle communication with parents regarding their child's progress and care?

Our PPEC center prioritizes transparent and consistent communication with parents regarding their child’s progress and care. We send out daily reports that provide updates on each child’s day, including any progression or regression observed. Additionally, we facilitate conference calls between case managers and the child’s guardian. This approach ensures that parents are kept informed and involved in their child’s care journey, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for the child’s development and well-being.

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