Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, often called chronic lung disease of prematurity, is one of the most common long term complications affecting premature babies who spent weeks or months in the neonatal intensive care unit. When fragile lungs undergo mechanical ventilation and prolonged oxygen therapy, delicate airways can develop inflammation and scarring. As these infants transition home, managing chronic respiratory vulnerability requires vigilance, specialized clinical knowledge, and consistent daily care. Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care programs provide a nurturing medical daycare setting where infants and toddlers with chronic lung disease receive continuous nursing supervision while continuing their physical and cognitive growth.
Daily Oxygen Monitoring and Respiratory Care for BPD
Children diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia often need complex respiratory management throughout the day. At Children’s Rehab PPEC, licensed nurses maintain vigilant pulse oximetry monitoring to ensure oxygen saturation levels remain within prescribed physician targets. Nursing staff manage supplemental oxygen delivery, deliver scheduled nebulizer breathing treatments, and administer oral and inhaled medications. Because an infant’s respiratory status can shift quickly, experienced pediatric nurses continuously observe breathing patterns, skin color, and chest retractions, ready to intervene at the earliest signs of airway fatigue or respiratory distress. On any given day, we have one medical professional for every child in the center, counting nurses, CNAs, LPNs, EMTs, and therapists.
Infection Prevention and Energy Conservation During Therapy
For an infant or toddler recovering from chronic lung disease, even a minor cold or respiratory virus can trigger severe illness or hospital readmission. PPEC centers follow rigorous medical sanitation protocols, daily health screenings, and protective health standards designed specifically to shield medically fragile children from infection. Respiratory conditions demand immense caloric energy just to breathe, which can slow physical milestones. Within our program, licensed physical and occupational therapists collaborate directly with nurses to integrate gentle therapy sessions that pace activities, conserve energy, and support safe oral feeding without exhausting fragile lungs. Our therapists are full-time employees rather than rotating agency staff, and every session is one-on-one.
What Your Family Gets Every Day
Managing chronic pediatric lung disease can leave parents feeling exhausted and isolated. PPEC bridges the gap between hospital discharge and family stability by offering up to twelve hours of daytime skilled care, including free door-to-door transportation in a fully equipped vehicle staffed by a medical professional. Parents get updates through phone calls, photos, or video, allowing them to return to work or care for family needs with complete confidence. If your infant or toddler has received a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or chronic lung disease, our team is here to coordinate with your pediatrician, verify insurance coverage, and welcome your child into a warm, supportive healing environment.
If your child also receives private duty nursing at home, the two work together. Home nursing at night and PPEC during the day give your family 24-hour continuous care.
Our Two Centers
Miami Gardens: 2727 NW 167th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. Call (305) 622-7575.
Lehigh Acres: 3020 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971. Call (239) 674-7439. Both centers are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. We care for children from newborn through age 21.
How to Get Started
Come see the center. Visit us in Miami Gardens or Lehigh Acres and meet the team who would care for your child. If visiting is hard right now, call us instead. We handle the paperwork. We can request the prescription from your child’s doctor and verify your Medicaid plan. Your child starts. We schedule the first day and arrange transportation.
- Take the First Step: Contact us today to learn about enrollment
- Call Our Caring Team: (305) 622-7575 or (239) 674-7439
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child qualify for PPEC with bronchopulmonary dysplasia?
Yes, in most cases. Children with BPD who need oxygen, pulse oximetry monitoring, nebulizer treatments, suctioning, or a tracheostomy generally meet medical necessity criteria for PPEC.
Will this cost my family anything?
No. Florida Medicaid and Medicaid managed care plans cover PPEC at 100 percent. There is no copay and no bill to your family.
Can my baby come while she is still on oxygen?
Yes. Oxygen delivery, saturation monitoring, and respiratory treatments are part of daily care at both centers.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Door-to-door transportation is free, in a fully equipped vehicle staffed by a medical professional.
Can my child attend PPEC and still have a nurse at home at night?
Yes. Many families use both. PPEC covers the day and private duty nursing covers the night, for 24-hour continuous care.
How old does my child have to be?
Children from newborn through age 21 are eligible at both centers.