New Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) Program

Redwood is excited to announce its newest program: Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). PPEC is a day treatment program managed and staffed by skilled nursing and healthcare professionals trained to care for children with chronic medical conditions in a safe, caring, and developmentally stimulating environment.

The program, being piloted now as required by the Office of Inspector General, expects to serve up to 30 children.  “For many parents in our community,” states CEO Barbara Howard, “a PPEC program at Redwood is long overdue. Families have been waiting for a service provider to meet their child’s healthcare needs in an environment that provides exceptional opportunities for socialization, education, and therapeutic intervention.”

Two area pediatricians—Barry Brokaw of Pediatric Associates and Chuck Kelly of Pediatric Care—will serve as Medical Directors for the new program. Registered nurses and child care professionals, led by Director of Nursing Jaime McLaughlin, will staff the program. A team of child development experts will coordinate educational and therapeutic services.  Children enrolled in PPEC may be eligible to have program costs funded through Kentucky Medicaid. In order to qualify, services must be prescribed by the child’s primary care physician and authorized through Medicaid.

Howard explains that Redwood was already in a natural position to provide PPEC due to national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a three-star rating by KY STARS for KIDS NOW, and use of the nationally recognized High Scope curriculum.

Association for the Education of Young Children, a three-star rating by KY STARS for Kids Now, and use of the nationally recognized High Scope curriculum.  “Redwood can also offer an unmatched opportunity for continuum of care,” adds Howard, “to meet a child’s needs now and in the future.” Children in PPEC, for example, may access other services, such as therapy, behavior supports, and assistive technology, and transition into other programs as they age, such as Adults NOW or Adult Independence.

Another benefit is that Redwood can and does serve children without special needs.  “In this day and age, we are all very busy. For a parent to be able to enroll all their children at one location is a tremendous convenience,” states Katrina Murphy, Director of Child Development.

To enroll your child or to learn more about PPEC, contact Jaime McLaughlin at (859) 331-0880 or jmclaughlin@redwoodnky.org.