Privacy Policy

Creative World of Montessori (“CWM,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information entrusted to us by families, students, staff, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information in connection with our Montessori education programs serving students from age 3 to 15 throughout the Dayton region and greater Miami Valley area.

By enrolling your child, using our website, scheduling a tour, contacting our staff, or otherwise interacting with Creative World of Montessori, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. Applicability and Ohio Law Compliance

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. Creative World of Montessori operates in compliance with applicable Ohio and federal laws and regulations, including, where applicable:

Ohio Revised Code § 5104 – Child Care Licensing and Regulation
Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 5101:2-12 – Child Care Center Rules
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), where applicable
Ohio’s Public Records Act, Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, where applicable
Ohio Revised Code § 2151.421 – Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide safe, high-quality Montessori education and to support the development of each child as a whole. The categories of information we may collect include:

a. Student Information

Full legal name, date of birth, and gender
Home address and contact information
Medical history, health conditions, allergies, medications, and immunization records
Emergency contact information
Custody agreements, court orders, or legal documentation affecting pickup authorization
Developmental and educational assessments (including Teaching Strategies GOLD data)
Behavioral and incident reports
Photographs and video recordings taken during program activities

b. Family and Guardian Information

Parent and guardian names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
Employer information and work schedules (for emergency purposes)
Financial information necessary to process enrollment fees, tuition, and state subsidy programs
Information provided on enrollment, authorization, and consent forms

c. Website and Digital Information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information only for lawful purposes related to our Montessori education programs, student safety, family communication, and website operations, including:

Enrollment, registration, and contract administration
Providing safe and appropriate childcare and early learning services
Communicating with families about their child’s progress, health, and activities
Administering curriculum and assessment tools (Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD)
Complying with Ohio childcare licensing requirements and state reporting obligations
Processing tuition payments and administering state-funded subsidy programs
Responding to medical emergencies or incidents involving a child
Fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.421
Improving our website, services, and educational programs
Sending newsletters, program updates, and event communications (with your consent)

4. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

We may share information only in limited circumstances, including:

With Ohio licensing authorities (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services / Ohio Department of Children and Youth) as required for licensing, inspection, and compliance
With emergency medical personnel, hospitals, or healthcare providers when necessary for a child’s health or safety
With mandated authorities in connection with child abuse or neglect investigations under Ohio law
With state agencies administering child care subsidy programs (e.g., Child Care Assistance Program)
With authorized service providers under confidentiality agreements (e.g., curriculum platforms, billing systems)
With other authorized individuals listed on a child’s enrollment record
As required by court order, subpoena, or other lawful legal process
With your prior written consent

5. Children’s Privacy and FERPA Rights

In accordance with FERPA and applicable Ohio law, parents and legal guardians may have the right to:

Inspect and review their child’s educational and program records within 45 days of a written request
Request corrections to inaccurate or misleading records
Consent before personally identifiable information from educational records is disclosed to third parties (except as permitted by law)
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding alleged violations of FERPA

To exercise these rights, please contact our administrative office in writing. We will respond to requests in accordance with applicable law.

6. Photography, Video, and Media Use

Creative World of Montessori may photograph or video record students during classroom activities, school events, educational documentation, portfolio development, and internal program communications.

You may withdraw media consent at any time by submitting written notice to our office.

7. Website Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze traffic, understand website performance, and improve communication with families and prospective families.

We do not use our website to knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with COPPA.

You may control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These safeguards may include:

No data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. In the event of a data breach affecting your information, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with applicable Ohio and federal law.

9. Record Retention

We retain personal information for the period required by Ohio law, applicable licensing requirements, education-related obligations, and our internal recordkeeping policies.

Records related to a student’s enrollment, care, and education are generally retained for the period required by applicable law following the student’s last date of enrollment, or as otherwise required by Ohio regulations.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, scheduling tools, employment platforms, or external educational resources.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, policies, security, or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

11. Relationship to Inspire Center for Learning

Creative World of Montessori is in the same building as Inspire Center for Learning, a dynamic and educational childcare learning center for children from infants through toddlers.

While CWM and Inspire may share certain administrative, facility, or communication resources where appropriate, personal information will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

12. Contact Information – Privacy Matters

For questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Creative World of Montessori
Dayton Region & Greater Miami Valley, Ohio
Website: creativeworldofmontessori.com
Phone: 866-866-7339