Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 14, 2026
Lakeland Child Care (“Lakeland Child Care,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information entrusted to us by families, children, employees, and community partners. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable privacy legislation, including Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
This policy applies to all Lakeland Child Care programs, services, websites, forms, and communications.
Table of Contents
About Lakeland Child Care
Lakeland Child Care is a licensed, community-based early learning organization serving families in Barrie, Ontario. We provide affordable licensed child care through participation in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. Our centres support toddlers and preschoolers in welcoming, play-based learning environments guided by Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? framework.
Personal Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information necessary to provide safe, high-quality child care and to meet our legal and regulatory obligations.
Information About Children
- Child’s name, date of birth, and address
- Health information (e.g., allergies, medical conditions, immunization records)
- Emergency contact information
- Developmental, behavioural, and learning-related observations
- Attendance and enrollment records
Information About Parents and Caregivers
- Names and contact details (address, phone number, email)
- Relationship to the child
- Authorized pickup information
- Payment and subsidy-related information (including CWELCC eligibility details)
- Communication preferences
Information About Employees and Applicants
- Contact and identification information
- Professional credentials and RECE registration status
- Employment records, training, and certifications (e.g., First Aid and CPR)
Website and Digital Information
- Information submitted through online forms or email inquiries
- Limited technical data such as IP address or browser type (for website functionality and security)
How We Use Personal Information
Personal information is used only for purposes that are reasonable and necessary, including:
- Providing and administering child care programs
- Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children
- Communicating with parents and caregivers
- Meeting licensing, regulatory, and CWELCC reporting requirements
- Managing enrollment, attendance, and fee administration
- Supporting inclusive, responsive early learning practices
- Employment and human resources management
We do not use personal information for unrelated purposes without consent, unless required or permitted by law.
Consent
We obtain consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information at the time of enrollment, hiring, or when information is otherwise provided to us. Consent may be explicit or implied, depending on the circumstances and the sensitivity of the information.
Parents and caregivers may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. Please note that withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide child care services.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell or rent personal information. Personal information may be shared only when necessary and appropriate, including:
- With regulatory bodies and government authorities (e.g., the Ontario Ministry of Education, the City of Barrie, and CWELCC program administrators)
- For reporting, auditing, and compliance purposes related to participation in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program
- With health or emergency services when required for a child’s safety
- With service providers who assist us in operating our programs (e.g., secure data management systems), under confidentiality agreements
- When required by law or to protect the safety and well-being of children, families, staff, or the public
Information shared for CWELCC purposes is limited to what is required to confirm eligibility, administer funding, and meet accountability and reporting standards.
Safeguarding Personal Information
Lakeland Child Care takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information from loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These safeguards include:
- Secure storage of paper and electronic records
- Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Staff training on confidentiality and privacy responsibilities
- Secure disposal of records when no longer required
Retention of Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal, licensing, and regulatory requirements, including CWELCC funding and reporting obligations. Records are securely destroyed once retention requirements are met.
Access and Correction
Parents, caregivers, and employees have the right to request access to their personal information and to request corrections if information is inaccurate or incomplete, subject to legal limitations.
Requests should be made in writing and will be addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Children’s Privacy
We recognize the sensitive nature of children’s personal information and take extra care to protect it. Information about children is collected, used, and disclosed only with parental or legal guardian consent, except where required by law or in emergency situations.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and understand how visitors interact with our site. Cookies do not collect personal information such as names or contact details.
You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or notify you when cookies are being used. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Online Forms and Digital Communications
When you submit information through our website (such as inquiry, enrollment interest, or contact forms), we collect the information you voluntarily provide. This information is used only to respond to your request, provide information about our programs, or support enrollment and administration.
Electronic communications may be retained as part of our records in accordance with our retention practices.
Photos, Video, and Social Media Use
From time to time, Lakeland Child Care may take photographs or videos within our centres to document learning experiences, celebrate community, or share information with families and the public.
- Photos and videos of children are used only with written parental or guardian consent
- Images may be shared through secure parent communications, our website, or Lakeland Child Care social media channels
- No identifying information (such as a child’s full name) is published alongside images
Parents and caregivers may update or withdraw photo and media consent at any time by notifying us in writing.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will be made available upon request and, where applicable, on our website.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information, please contact:
Lakeland Child Care
Barrie, Ontario
45 Commerce Park Drive – 705-503-1385
11 Ferris Lane – 249-388-4528
We are committed to open, honest communication and to maintaining the trust families place in us every day.