Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Basic analytics data (pages visited, time spent, general location)
• Technical information (browser type, device type, IP address)
• Cookies to improve your browsing experience

Enrollment and Contact Information

When you contact us or enroll your child, we collect:

• Parent/guardian contact information (name, phone, email, address)
• Child's information (name, age, emergency contacts, medical information)
• Educational records and developmental assessments
• Photos and videos for educational documentation (with permission)
• Financial information for tuition and fees

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide high-quality Montessori education and care
• Communicate with parents about their child's progress
• Ensure child safety and emergency preparedness
• Improve our educational programs and services
• Process tuition payments and maintain records
• Comply with state licensing and regulatory requirements
• Share child development milestones with families

3. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

For children in our care:

• We only collect information necessary for education, health, and safety
• Photos and videos require written parental consent
• We never sell or market to children
• Educational records are kept confidential and secure
• Parents can review and request changes to their child's records

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties. We may share information only when:

• Required by law (state licensing, child protection services)
• Necessary for child safety or medical emergencies
• With your written consent (sharing progress with specialists)
• With service providers who help operate our school (background check companies, educational software)
• During transitions to elementary school (with parent permission)

5. Data Security

We protect your information through:

• Secure, locked filing systems for physical records
• Password-protected computers and encrypted digital storage
• Staff training on privacy and confidentiality
• Regular security reviews and updates
• Limited access on a need-to-know basis

6. Your Rights and Choices

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to:

• Review your child's educational records
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent for photos and videos
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Request information about what data we have collected
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

7. Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses:

• Essential cookies for website functionality
• Analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site
• No advertising or tracking cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Record Retention

We retain records according to:

• State licensing requirements (typically 3-7 years)
• Educational best practices
• Legal obligations

Records are securely destroyed when no longer needed.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with the effective date. For significant changes affecting children's privacy, we will notify parents directly.

10. Contact Us

11. State and Federal Compliance

Little Flowers Montessori complies with:

• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• California state licensing requirements
• Local health and safety regulations