Parents of a child with Down syndrome often search for a daycare for children with Down syndrome in Tampa when their child has health needs on top of the usual toddler routine, such as a heart condition, a feeding plan or frequent breathing problems. In Florida, a licensed medical daycare called a PPEC can care for these children during the day, with nurses and therapists in the same building.
The short answer
Yes. Little Giants is a state-licensed Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) center in West Tampa, and Down syndrome is one of the conditions our nurses care for. Children from birth through age 20 can spend up to 12 hours a day with us, with skilled nursing, therapy, meals and play on one schedule.
Many children with Down syndrome do well in a regular child care or preschool program. PPEC is for the children whose health needs call for a nurse during the day.
Does Down syndrome qualify for PPEC?
A diagnosis by itself does not decide it. What matters is the care your child needs each day, as documented by their doctor. A child with Down syndrome may qualify for PPEC when they also need things like:
- Monitoring and medications for a heart condition, before or after surgery
- G-tube or NG-tube feedings, or a feeding plan that needs close watching
- Oxygen, apnea monitoring or other breathing support
- Care for seizures
- Several medications given during the day
To enroll, a physician writes a prescription saying daily skilled care is medically necessary, and Florida Medicaid approves it through prior authorization. Our who qualifies page lists the conditions we care for and both requirements.
Health needs our nurses help with
About half of babies born with Down syndrome have a heart condition, and many children also deal with low muscle tone, feeding difficulties or more frequent respiratory infections. Every child is different, so the nursing plan follows the orders from your child's own doctors.
At Little Giants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants are on site all day. Depending on your child's orders, they may:
- Give medications on the schedule your child's doctor sets.
- Manage feeds by mouth or by tube. Our feeding tube guide explains how nurses handle G-tube care.
- Watch breathing and oxygen levels, with respiratory support for children who need it.
- Respond to seizures following your child's seizure plan.
A physician is on call for the care team, and nurses tell you at pickup how the day went.
Therapy during the day
Therapy is a big part of the week for many children with Down syndrome. At Little Giants, therapy happens on site and fits into the same day as nursing, meals and play, on the schedule your child's doctor prescribes.
- Physical therapy works on strength, balance and movement goals such as sitting and walking.
- Occupational therapy works on hand skills and everyday tasks like grasping, feeding and dressing.
- Speech therapy supports communication and language, plus feeding and swallowing when it is needed.
Between sessions, children take part in learning activities, art, music and sensory play at their own pace. See everything we offer on our PPEC services page.
Cost and Medicaid coverage
For children who qualify, PPEC is covered by Florida Medicaid. Eligible families pay nothing out of pocket, with no copays and no monthly bills, and transportation to and from the center is available when applicable.
Coverage depends on two things: the physician's prescription and Medicaid prior authorization. Our team helps with the paperwork. For details, read how Medicaid covers PPEC in Florida.
How to get started
- Call us and tell us about your child's health needs and routine.
- Free eligibility review. We check your child's Medicaid coverage and talk through whether PPEC fits.
- Ask your child's doctor for the prescription. Our guide to getting a PPEC referral in Tampa explains what it should include.
- Tour the center and meet the nurses before your child's first day.
If your baby is still in the hospital, our article on PPEC for babies after the NICU explains how to plan before discharge.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child with Down syndrome go to PPEC in Florida?
Does a Down syndrome diagnosis alone qualify a child for PPEC?
What ages does Little Giants serve?
Is therapy available on site for children with Down syndrome?
How much does PPEC cost in Tampa?
Does your child have Down syndrome and medical needs?
Call us and describe your child's day. We will check eligibility for free and answer your questions honestly.