Best of Florida Award

Tender Care PPEC

“A loving daycare for children with special medical needs”

Tender Care has been providing PPEC services for over 30 years

Tender Care PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care)

📞 800-754-1490   📧 contact@tcms.care

Tender Care is a prescribed pediatric extended care facility (or PPEC for short). It is our mission to provide skilled nursing care to medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment. We are staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. Tender Care is the FIRST independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have 33 years of experience in the provision of loving care to this special pediatric population.

At Tender Care, it’s our goal is to enhance the development of each child in every aspect possible, through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers, meeting not just physical and medical needs but also their social and psychological needs as well. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential.

We also provide transportation to and from the facility, complete with handicap accessibility at no cost. Each one of our vans is accompanied by a nurse or escort for the child’s safety. While attending, Tender Care also provides nutritious meals throughout the day. For our children that receive their nutrition through a G or J tube, our nurses are proficient in administering these feedings as well. What sets us apart is that we care, we have passionate hearts for our children and desire to see them succeed.

“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.”

– Edwin Elliot.

Tender Care offers a variety of skilled services at each of our locations.

Skilled Nursing Care

Tender Care has a team of nursing staff dedicated to providing exceptional care to your child. We offer nursing services for the Medically fragile, Medically complex, and technologically dependent pediatric population (from birth to 21 years of age).

Therapy Services

Our Therapy Program provides physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies by qualified therapists. While children are receiving therapies, our skilled professionals can provide information and training to their caregivers and/or family members.

Child Care Food Program

Tender Care participates in Florida’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) in order to provide your child with the best possible nutritional options while they are in our care.

Transportation

Tender Care provides medical transportation services daily to and from our centers at no extra cost to the parent our guardian. During the trip, your children are accompanied by members of our nursing staff. Each of our vans is specially equipped to make sure your child is safe and comfortable.

Education

At Tender Care, we believe that your child’s education is an essential part of their growth and development. Our exceptional education program includes a teacher on-staff who’s goal is to engage and to enrich your child’s developing mind.

Activities

Every day is an adventure at Tender Care! We encourage learning and development through play and socialization. There is always something fun and exciting to do at Tender Care!

Every Child Needs a Friend!

Tender Care PPEC can make a difference in your child’s life!

Tender Care PPEC News

Stay up to date with all of the exciting things happening at Tender Care PPEC!

Tender Care Attended UF Health’s Spring Fling (2024)!

We had so much fun attending Spring Fling on March 21st! This event was hosted by UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center at their location in Jacksonville, FL. We had a lot of families stop by our table to learn about Tender Care PPEC and what we do in the community!

Tender Care Starts a Podcast: Building Our Village

The Tender Care PPEC podcast, titled “Building Our Village,” is a compelling new series designed to support families of special needs care. This innovative podcast aims to create a supportive community by bringing together key resources and individuals dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families.

Tender Care Attended Spring into Resources with TLC!

We had so much fun attending Spring into Resources Open House on March 9th! This event was hosted by The Therapeutic Learning Center at the Arc of the St. Johns, located in St. Augustine, FL. We had a lot of families stop by our table to learn about Tender Care PPEC and what we do in the community!

Alex from Tender Care Participated in the Hernando County Hawks Coin Toss on March 2nd!

The Hernando County Hawks invited Alex, from our Spring Hill Tender Care center, to participate in the coin toss on March 2nd!

Celebrating Rare Disease Day at Tender Care

At Tender Care, every day is a chance to support, empower, and cherish those facing rare diseases. Today, we shine a light on the warriors among us, marking Rare Disease Day with love and solidarity. Here, nobody fights alone. We’re a family, bound by compassion and united in our journey. 

Tender Care PPEC Nominated Best of the 352 for Best Skilled Nursing and Best Place to Work!

Tender Care PPEC is thrilled to be nominated Best of the 352 for Best Skilled Nursing and Best Place to Work!

Buckles the Pony Came to Our Dunnellon Center!

Buckles the pony visited our Dunnellon Tender Care center! The kids had a blast learning about Buckles and petting him. 

Spring Hill Support

When your child gets diagnosed with an injury, disability, or illness, it can feel as if your world is falling apart. We want you to know that you are not alone. There are a plethora of Spring Hill support organizations and resources to help you, your family, and your child.

36 Years of Care at Tender Care PPEC

🎉📅 What an incredible journey it’s been of 36 years of care! Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate a milestone that’s close to our hearts. 🥳 Tender Care PPEC has been nurturing and providing exceptional care since 1988 – that’s 13,169 days of unconditional support, growth, and memories! 🌱💞

The Hernando County Hawks Came to Visit Tender Care’s Spring Hill Center!

The Hernando County Hawks came to visit our Spring Hill Tender Care center on February 9th! They were able to spend time with the kids and learn more about them. They played football and hide-and-seek on the playground. 

It's Easy to Enroll!

Fill out the form below to schedule your child’s initial evaluation. We will coordinate with your child’s pediatrician to develop a plan of care and get your child started with Tender Care.

See what people are saying about Tender Care PPEC!

Falande Georges D.Falande Georges D.
18:33 02 Dec 22
They are very involved in the life of my special needs child.
Indu TymeIndu Tyme
23:02 29 Nov 22
Roynesha NealRoynesha Neal
18:59 29 Nov 22
The director JR is the best there is and I highly recommend anyone who has a child or loved one who requires services to choose Tender Care Center.
Andrea WilliamsAndrea Williams
13:31 21 May 22
Johnny Rhoy CariagaJohnny Rhoy Cariaga
20:20 19 May 22
Ashley OlszewskiAshley Olszewski
17:40 10 Sep 21
My son has been a patient here for over 2 years. I'm extremely happy with his care and their service. The entire staff has gone way out of their way to accommodate us. I highly recommend!
Brianna WileyBrianna Wiley
18:43 10 Jun 21
Tender Care has an amazing staff that truly cares for all the medically fragile children in their care. They treat all the patients and their families as their own. They are organized, consistent, thorough, and safety oriented towards all the children. The therapy programs, guaranteed socialization... for the children and decreased need for hospitalization adds to Tender Care's value. The staff clearly keeps the children and their families the main focus. Tender Care offers transportation to and from the centers for all patients, this convenience relieves a lot of stress from the parents and guardians. There is no better place than Tender Care, the services they provide for the special needs pediatric community are truly incredible and unmatched.read more
Treniece LanierTreniece Lanier
12:32 01 May 21
Caring and kind dedicated center with real patience, love for children
Rebecca GreenRebecca Green
21:34 17 Feb 21
I can't even explain how amazing everyone here is. From the driver's, aides, and office staff to the management. Having a child with special medical needs is hard enough but the entire staff goes above and beyond to care for all the children. We'd be lost without these guys and speaking for all the... parents THANK YOU ALL.read more
Monica RileyMonica Riley
18:24 11 Oct 19
I was fortunate to work for TCMS as a driver. From the first meeting to my last day of employment the management, co-workers and children were encouraging, fun, happy and professional. Having the experience of working at both the Dunnellon and Spring Hill locations, I can attest to the integrity... and authentic leadership style of the owners. I was made to feel a part of the family atmosphere. Employee input is valued and welcomed. They were flexible and accommodating with work schedules.Down to Earth, patient and skilled are just some of the ways to describe how they treat employees and families all the time. I hold them in high regard and would encourage future employees and/or future families to become part of the "family." Warmly, Monica Rileyread more
TCC Fort LauderdaleTCC Fort Lauderdale
19:44 18 Jul 19
The services that are provided for the special needs pediatric community is incredible. The children are able to socialize with other children just like them. It's an all in one resource and center that encompasses all the services a child with medical needs requires. Skilled nursing, therapy,... assistance with transportation services, care coordination, pre- school preparation and a food program through the State of Florida. Plus TCC has been around for over 25 years and well known in the community . I've been a Tender care employee for over 9 years and I'm proud to be a part of Tender Care's growth over the years.read more
Dana ParkerDana Parker
17:38 24 May 18
Tender car facility is a warm, nurturing and professional environment. All the staff genuinely care for the children and offer a level of care and support that is unmatched in any other special needs care facility. I am honored to have spent my clinical rotation at this facility and look forward... to perhaps volunteering in the future. Special shout out to Eric and Angel who go above and beyond for those kids each and every day.read more
Vintage CocoanutGroveVintage CocoanutGrove
18:33 21 May 18
Beyond impressed.The love and expertise I have witnessed here is amazing. Rarely have I encountered this level of consistency and commitment observed in the nursing, respiratory and ancillary staff as well as with the incredible therapists I have seen here, and with regularity.I recommend Tender... Care without hesitation.The staff clearly loves what they do, and they truly love these children.This is comprehensive, intelligent, thorough, loving and meticulous care for children at its finest. Please tour this facility if you find yourself needing this type of care for a loved one and tell your colleagues. Tender Care raises the bar and represents superior childcare.Their facility is the standard by which all others should be judged.read more
Laurie SmalleyLaurie Smalley
12:51 17 May 18
I love working with the children of Tender Care and enjoy teaching them lots of fun things. This facility is a very caring and enriching environment for children that require special care. The nursing staff not only provide excellent medical care but truly love these kids! I truly believe Tender... Care is one of a kind...setup a tour and see for yourself! 🙂read more
John LoBoJohn LoBo
16:16 09 May 18
Tender Care is a wonderful place for children with special medical needs! The staff is made up of some of the most helpful and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I recommend this facility to any parent looking for a loving day-care style environment for their special... needs children.read more
Lela RodriguezLela Rodriguez
16:12 05 Nov 17
Such an amazing facility the staff treats you like family. From the first day I visited the location the nurses were so friendly and informative their main focus was to understand my child's needs. The facility is very clean and well organized after meeting with the staff and touring the toddlers... room. I was able to go to work with a peace of mind that my child would be in great hands not to mention their transportation service makes my morning go very smooth. I would refer any parent to the tender care family.read more
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Tender Care PPEC Locations

Tender Care PPEC centers are conveniently located throughout Florida with new a new center coming soon to Houston, Texas.

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