Growing Minds Children’s Center

Growing Minds Children’s Center (“GMCC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our public website https://gmccenter.com (“Website”), including prospective and enrolled families. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in accordance with applicable federal and California laws, including the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our Website and through third-party tools and service providers such as online forms and child-care management platforms (e.g., Brightwheel), as well as data automatically collected through analytics tools:

A. Personal Information You Provide

• Parent(s) or guardian(s) name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Mailing address

• Child’s name, date of birth, and other enrollment-related details

• Contact form submissions and inquiry details

B. Automatically Collected Information

We may collect:

• Browser type, device type, and operating system

• IP address

• Pages visited and time spent

• Website interaction data through cookies and analytics tools to help improve the user experience

This includes data collected by third-party analytical tools that help us understand and enhance Website performance.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use collected personal information for the following purposes:

• Responding to inquiries, admissions, and contact requests

• Communicating with parents and guardians

• Managing enrollment and childcare services

• Operating, maintaining, and improving our Website

• Complying with licensing and regulatory requirements

• Internal recordkeeping, planning, and safety protocols

3. Children’s Privacy & COPPA Compliance

GMCC complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 through our Website. All child-related information submitted via the Website or third-party tools is provided voluntarily by a parent or legal guardian for purposes such as enrollment and communication.

Parents have the right to:

• Review their child’s personal information

• Request corrections or updates

• Ask for deletion of their child’s information

Requests regarding your child’s information should be submitted through the contact details in Section 9 below.

4. Photos, Videos, and Media

Our Website may display photos and videos illustrating center programs. We obtain written consent from parents or legal guardians before using any child’s image or video on the Website or our online platforms.

Parents may request removal of media featuring their child at any time, and we will make reasonable efforts to comply promptly.

5. Third-Party Services and Tools

We may use third-party service providers to help operate our Website and related services, including but not limited to:

• Online forms and child-care platforms (e.g., Brightwheel)

• Analytics and tracking tools

• WordPress plugins and hosting services

These providers may collect personal information on our behalf and are authorized to use it only to perform the services we request. Each third party has its own privacy practices and policies.

6. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information for commercial purposes.

We may share your personal information:

• With trusted service providers who assist in Website operations and childcare administration

• With state or local regulatory and licensing agencies when required by law

• When required to respond to legal processes or protect rights and safety

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Analyze Website performance

• Personalize content and improve functionality

• Understand user behavior

Users may manage cookie preferences through their browser settings. Disabling cookies may impact certain features of the Website.

8. Data Security and Retention

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal data from unauthorized access and disclosure. However, no data transmission or storage method can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, and support internal administrative needs.

9. California Privacy Rights

California residents may have rights under state law to:

• Request information about what personal information we hold

• Request access to or deletion of personal information, subject to certain exceptions

• Opt out of the sale of personal information (which we do not engage in)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. The effective date will be revised when material changes occur. Continued use of the Website after posting an updated policy constitutes acceptance of the changes.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, contact:

Growing Minds Children’s Center
Email: [email protected]