Best of FL

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 PPEC, 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 PPEC offers a variety of skilled services at each of our 6 locations.

Skilled Nursing Care

Tender Care PPEC 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 PPEC 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 PPEC 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 PPEC, 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 PPEC! We encourage learning and development through play and socialization. There is always something fun and exciting to do at Tender Care!

Providing Trusted PPEC Care Since 1988

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!

Case Study: A Lifeline for a Single Mother and Her Son

Case Study: The specialized care and support at Tender Care PPEC transformed her son’s life and allowed Vanessa to regain her joy and energy.

What is a PPEC? A Guide for Parents of Children with Complex Medical Needs.

What is a PPEC? This guide explains what PPEC is, how it benefits children, and how it supports families in managing complex medical conditions.

PPEC Services for Children in Fort Lauderdale

PPEC services: for families of children with complex medical needs, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Fort Lauderdale that offer a vital service — skilled medical care in a daycare-like setting for children with chronic or severe health conditions.

PPEC Meaning

PPEC Meaning: For children with special medical needs, having access to the right care and support is crucial for their well-being and development. In some cases, families may seek specialized services to meet their child’s medical and therapeutic requirements. This is where PPEC comes in.

Supporting Children with Special Medical Needs Through Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy

Children with special medical needs often face unique challenges in their daily lives. Whether it’s due to congenital conditions, developmental delays, or injuries, the support of physical, occupational, and speech therapy can make a profound difference in helping them thrive. These therapies aim to improve mobility, enhance communication, and foster independence—key aspects in a child’s growth and development.

Tender Care PPEC has a New Homepage! (2025)

We’re excited to announce our new homepage of 2025!

Tender Care PPEC attended the 8th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference 2024!

Tender Care PPEC had the honor of attending the 8th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference, where we were privileged to present on PPECs. A big thank you to everyone who attended and engaged with us—your questions and interest made the experience even more meaningful. We look forward to continuing the conversation and building more connections in the future!

Tender Care Attended Help Me Grow’s Inaugural Books, Balls, and Blocks event in St. Johns County 2024!

We were thrilled to be invited to attend Help Me Grow’s inaugural Books, Balls, and Blocks event in St. Johns County on November 8th. The event successfully connected nine families with valuable resources, helped complete three developmental questionnaires, and provided essential support to each family. We’re excited for the upcoming event in Palm Coast on December 13th!

Tender Care Attended the NICU reunion at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital 2024!

What an incredible day at the NICU reunion at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital! We were moved by the inspiring stories from families who have overcome so much and grateful for the chance to reconnect with them.

Hurricane Grill & Wings Donated to Tender Care PPEC (2024)!

A great big, heartfelt THANK YOU to Hurricane Grill & Wings in St. Augustine! Thanks to the incredible generosity of their regular patrons and the owner’s matching contribution, we’re one step closer to making our patients’ special Christmas wishes come true.

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 PPEC.

See what people are saying about Tender Care PPEC!

Kristian
18:55 29 Nov 24
Tender Care PPEC is truly Amazing!The staff is compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to providing the highest level of care for medically fragile children. The facility is clean, welcoming, and equipped with everything needed to ensure the safety and happiness of each child.What stands out most is the personal touch—every child is treated like family, and parents are kept informed and reassured every step of the way. You can see the genuine joy in the children and the dedication of the team.Tender Care PPEC goes above and beyond, not only meeting medical needs but also nurturing each child’s development and happiness. I highly recommend them to any family looking for a safe, loving environment for their little one.
Janette Rodriquez
17:01 15 Aug 24
Aurora Lewis
17:55 29 May 24
Tender Care PPEC is a loving PPEC facility with amazing nurses! The center is clean and they really care for the kids.
EVAN LOBIANCO
23:21 09 May 24
Best PPEC in the area
Falande Georges D.
18:33 02 Dec 22
They are very involved in the life of my special needs child.
Indu Tyme
23:02 29 Nov 22
Roynesha 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 Williams
13:31 21 May 22
Johnny Rhoy Cariaga
20:20 19 May 22
Ashley 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 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.
Treniece Lanier
12:32 01 May 21
Caring and kind dedicated center with real patience, love for children
Rebecca 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.
Monica 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 Riley
TCC 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.
Dana 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.
Vintage 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.
Laurie 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! 🙂
John 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.
Lela 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.

Tender Care PPEC Locations

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