Coming Home From the NICU in Tampa: Can a Baby Attend PPEC?

Bringing a baby home from the NICU is a mix of relief and worry, especially when the baby comes home with a feeding tube, oxygen or a monitor. Many Tampa parents do not learn until discharge that PPEC for babies in Tampa is an option: a licensed center where nurses care for your infant during the day while you rest, work or care for your other children.

Can a baby attend PPEC?

Yes. In Florida, Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care serves children from birth, and Little Giants cares for children from infancy through age 20. There is no rule that a child must be a toddler or walking to attend.

What decides it is the care your baby needs. If your baby's doctor documents that daily skilled nursing is medically necessary, PPEC can be part of the plan once your baby is medically ready to leave home for the day.

Which NICU graduates it helps

Babies who come to a PPEC after the NICU often have one or more of these needs:

• G-tube or NG-tube feedings, or a feeding plan that needs close monitoring
• Oxygen, a tracheostomy or a ventilator
• Apnea monitoring
• Complications of prematurity, such as chronic lung disease
• Seizures, hydrocephalus or a heart condition
• Several daily medications

Our who qualifies page lists more conditions we care for. If your baby's needs are not listed, give us a call.

What infant care looks like

An infant's day at a PPEC follows their own schedule, not a classroom schedule. Nurses plan around feeds, naps, medications and therapy.

• Nursing checks. Vital signs, breathing, oxygen levels and equipment are checked throughout the day.
• Feeds on schedule. Bottle feeds and tube feeds follow the plan from your baby's doctor and dietitian. Our feeding tube guide explains how our nurses handle G-tube care.
• Breathing support. For babies with a trach or ventilator, nurses provide suctioning and airway care. Read more in our trach and ventilator guide.
• Early therapy. Physical, occupational and speech therapy can start early, including work on feeding and swallowing when prescribed.
• Rest and comfort. Babies nap in cribs in a quiet nursery, with staff close by.

When you pick up, the nurse goes over how your baby did with feeds, naps and medications.

Planning before discharge

The easiest time to start is while your baby is still in the NICU. A few steps make the move home smoother:

• Ask the discharge planner or case manager about PPEC. They can include it in your baby's discharge plan.
• Ask for the prescription. A physician writes the order for PPEC. Our guide to getting a PPEC referral in Tampa explains what it should include.
• Check Medicaid coverage. PPEC is covered by Florida Medicaid for eligible children, with prior authorization. We can check your baby's coverage for you.
• Visit the center. Touring before discharge means you already know the nurses and the nursery on the first day.

For eligible families, PPEC costs nothing out of pocket, and transportation is included when applicable. Our article on Medicaid coverage for PPEC covers the details.

Your first months home

The first months after the NICU are tiring for every parent. A few habits make it easier:

• Keep one folder with discharge papers, medication lists and equipment supplier numbers, and bring a copy on the first day.
• Write down questions for the nurses during the week. Pickup is a good time to go through them.
• Ask your baby's doctor about RSV and flu season. Babies born early or with lung or heart conditions can be at higher risk, and fall is a good time to plan.
• Use the hours your baby is in care to rest, keep your own appointments or spend time with your other children.

Our team also offers parent and caregiver education, so you can practice the care your baby needs at home with a nurse beside you.

Frequently asked questions