Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Childcare Waitlist Tracker ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and the privacy of your children. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

By using our service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Password (stored securely using industry-standard encryption)

2.2 Children's Information

To help you manage waitlist applications, we collect information about your children:

• First name and last name
• Date of birth
• Preferred start date for childcare

2.3 Childcare Centre Information

We collect information about childcare centres you are interested in:

• Centre name
• Suburb and postcode
• Notes you choose to add

2.4 Application Information

We collect information about your waitlist applications:

• Care type preferences (full day, half day, before/after school, vacation care)
• Preferred days
• Flexibility preferences
• Application status
• Notes and additional information

2.5 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you use our service:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Usage patterns and preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our service
• Process your account registration and manage your account
• Enable you to track and manage your childcare waitlist applications
• Send you service-related communications (if applicable)
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Storage and Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Your data is stored securely in our database and is only accessible to you through your authenticated account. We use industry-standard encryption for passwords and secure connections (HTTPS) for data transmission.

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., hosting, email services), subject to strict confidentiality obligations.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
• With Your Consent: We may share information with your explicit consent.

6. Children's Privacy

Our service is designed for parents and guardians to manage information about their children. We understand the sensitive nature of children's information and are committed to protecting it.

We only collect children's information that is necessary for the service to function. This information is stored securely and is only accessible through your authenticated account. We do not use children's information for marketing purposes or share it with third parties except as described in this policy.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us to have that information removed.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can access and review your personal information through your account dashboard.
• Correction: You can update or correct your information at any time through your account.
• Deletion: You can delete your account and all associated data at any time. Please contact us if you need assistance.
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data in a portable format.
• Opt-out: You can opt out of certain communications, though we may still send you service-related messages.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session and improve your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though this may affect the functionality of our service.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

12. Australian Privacy Principles

As an Australian service, we comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This includes:

• Open and transparent management of personal information
• Anonymity and pseudonymity
• Collection of solicited personal information
• Dealing with unsolicited personal information
• Notification of the collection of personal information
• Use or disclosure of personal information
• Direct marketing
• Cross-border disclosure of personal information
• Adoption, use, or disclosure of government related identifiers
• Quality of personal information
• Security of personal information
• Access to personal information
• Correction of personal information

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@childcarewaitlisttracker.com
Address: [Your Business Address]

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.