Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025  |  Last Updated: March 2026

1. Introduction and Commitment to Privacy

Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K ("we," "us," "our," or "the Center") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of children and families in our care. We provide comprehensive early childhood education and care services for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information about the children and families we serve. We understand that entrusting us with your child's care also means entrusting us with sensitive personal information, and we take this responsibility seriously.

Our privacy practices are designed to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and New Mexico state regulations governing licensed childcare facilities under Title 8, Chapter 16, Part 2 of the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Child Information

We collect and maintain various types of information about the children in our care to ensure their safety, health, development, and educational progress. This information includes:

• Personal Identification Information: Full name, date of birth, home address, emergency contact information, and any nicknames or preferred names.
• Health and Medical Information: Immunization records, medical history, current medications, allergies, dietary restrictions, special medical needs, and physician contact information.
• Educational and Developmental Information: Developmental assessments, learning objectives, progress reports, behavioral observations, and documentation of milestones.
• Emergency and Safety Information: Emergency contact details for parents, guardians, and authorized pickup persons.

2.2 Family Information

We collect information about families to facilitate communication, ensure proper care coordination, and meet regulatory requirements:

• Parent/Guardian Information: Names, home and work addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and employment information.
• Household Information: Information about family structure, languages spoken at home, cultural preferences, and any special circumstances.
• Financial Information: Payment information, billing addresses, and documentation related to childcare assistance programs or subsidies.

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website or use our online services, we may automatically collect certain technical information including IP addresses, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on pages.

3. How We Use Information

3.1 Primary Care and Educational Purposes

The primary purpose for collecting and using personal information is to provide high-quality childcare and early childhood education services. We use information to ensure child safety and well-being, support educational development, facilitate daily operations, and maintain proper supervision ratios as required by New Mexico licensing regulations.

3.2 Communication with Families

We use contact information to maintain regular communication with families about their child's daily activities, developmental progress, upcoming events, policy changes, and any concerns that may arise.

3.3 Regulatory Compliance

Information is used to comply with New Mexico childcare licensing requirements, including maintaining required documentation, reporting incidents as mandated by law, and cooperating with licensing inspections and investigations.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Limited Sharing Principle

We follow a principle of limited information sharing, meaning we only share personal information when necessary for the child's care, safety, or as required by law. We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4.2 Authorized Sharing

We may share information with parents and guardians, authorized pickup persons, healthcare providers in emergencies, and educational consultants with written parental consent.

4.3 Required Disclosures

We are required by law to disclose information to Child Protective Services if we suspect child abuse or neglect (as mandated reporters), to New Mexico ECECD during licensing inspections, and in response to valid court orders or legal processes.

5. Data Security and Protection

We maintain physical and digital security measures to protect personal information stored at our facility and electronically. Access to personal information is limited to staff members who need it to perform their job responsibilities.

6. Parental Rights and Access

Parents and legal guardians have the right to access their child's records, request corrections to inaccurate information, and request limitations on how we share their child's information, subject to legal requirements and the need to provide appropriate care.

7. Data Retention and Disposal

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal requirements. When information is no longer needed, we dispose of it securely.

8. Website and Online Services

Our website may collect certain information automatically when you visit, including your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. We use this information to improve our website and services. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website.

9. Photography and Media

We may take photographs or videos of children for educational documentation, classroom displays, and facility promotional materials. Written parental consent is obtained during enrollment for any use of a child's image in promotional materials. Parents may opt out of photography at any time by notifying the Center Director in writing.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify families of significant changes through written communication. Continued enrollment following notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K
• 1509 San Pedro Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
• Phone: (505) 345-6164
• Email: [email protected]
• Administrator: Elizabeth Villalva