Questions to ask a PPEC center
When a family is evaluating a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care center, knowing what to ask can make the process less overwhelming. This checklist covers licensure, services, getting started, daily care, transportation, and next steps.
Before you call
A little preparation makes the first conversation with a center much easier.
- Talk with your child's doctor, specialist, case manager, or health plan before contacting a center.
- Gather basic medical and payer information — diagnosis, current medications, equipment needs, and insurance details.
- Write down your child's daily care needs and any questions you have before calling.
- Ask your child's physician or care team whether PPEC may be appropriate and whether they can provide an order if needed.
Harbor does not determine whether a child is eligible for a PPEC center, whether a center has availability, or whether payer approval will be granted. Families should speak with the center, their child's physician or care team, payer, and appropriate state resources.
Questions about licensure and services
Start by confirming that the center is licensed and can support your child's needs.
- Is the center licensed as a PPEC by the state of Florida?
- What ages does the center serve?
- What types of medical needs or diagnoses can the center generally support?
- What skilled nursing, therapy, or other services are available during the day?
- Does the center have experience with my child's specific diagnosis or equipment needs?
- Is the center currently accepting inquiries or new enrollments?
Questions about getting started
Understand what documentation and steps may be needed before a child can begin.
- What documents are needed to begin the intake process?
- Is a physician order required? Who helps coordinate that?
- Is a plan of care or protocol of care needed?
- What clinical records, evaluation summaries, or supporting documents are typically needed?
- Who on the center's team helps families understand what is needed and guides them through the process?
- What authorization steps may be required before care can begin?
- How long does the intake process typically take from first contact to a start date?
Questions about daily care
Understand what the day-to-day experience looks like for your child and your family.
- How does the center communicate with families day to day?
- How are attendance and absences handled?
- How are changes in a child's condition or care plan shared with the family?
- What happens if a child has a medical event or urgent situation during the day?
- What is the center's staffing approach for children with complex needs?
- How are medication administration and medical equipment needs managed?
- What happens when orders, care plans, or authorizations need renewal?
Questions about transportation
Many PPEC families rely on transportation assistance — clarify the details early.
- Is transportation available to and from the center?
- Is transportation handled by the center, a contracted vendor, or a separate transportation program?
- What information or documentation is needed to arrange transportation?
- Are there geographic limitations on transportation coverage?
- What is the process if transportation arrangements change?
Questions about next steps
Make sure you and the center have a clear path forward after the first conversation.
- Who is the primary contact for the family after the first call?
- What should the family expect after submitting intake documents?
- How will the family know whether the center can move forward?
- Is there a waiting list, and how does that work?
- What should the family do in the meantime while waiting for intake to progress?
Find and learn more
Keep exploring the PPEC resource library.
Search by ZIP code to find published PPEC centers near you.
DirectoryPPEC Centers DirectoryBrowse published Florida PPEC center listings and review public information for each center.
GuideHow admission worksFollow the usual path from referral to first day of care.
Start hereWhat is PPEC?A plain-English overview of Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care.