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Privacy Policy: Washington Families Thrive

Effective Date: February 19th, 2025, Last Updated: August 24, 2026

Washington Families Thrive (“WFT,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides childcare and backup care matching services for families, both individually and through employer-sponsored programs. We are committed to protecting the privacy of the families and employees we serve. This policy outlines our data practices in compliance with Washington state law.

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1. Our Service Model

WFT provides families with information regarding childcare and backup care providers, including their contact details and specialized services.

  • One-Way Data Flow: We provide provider information to families. WFT does not share, sell, or distribute family or employee personal information to childcare providers.

  • Matching Services: Our role is to facilitate the matching of families with appropriate care solutions based on the family's specific needs. We do not provide legal or educational advocacy.

 

2. HIPAA and Medical Records Statement

WFT is not a healthcare provider or a "covered entity" under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We do not collect, process, or store formal medical records or HIPAA-protected health information (PHI).

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3. Information We Collect

To provide effective matching for childcare and backup care, we collect:

  • For Families: Names, contact information, and specific care requirements.

  • Special Education Support Data: We may ask if a child requires special education supports or services. This information is collected solely to ensure we provide families with matches to providers who offer the appropriate specialized services.

  • For Employers: Company contact details and employee rosters necessary to verify eligibility for employer-sponsored backup care matching.

  • Technical Data: Standard usage data and IP addresses to maintain and improve our digital platform.

 

4. Washington My Health My Data Act (MHMDA) Disclosure

Under Washington law, information regarding a child's special education needs or disability-related accommodations may be considered "Consumer Health Data."

  • Purpose: This data is used exclusively to filter and provide families with relevant childcare and backup care matches.

  • No Disclosure to Providers: While we use this information to identify providers that meet your criteria, we do not disclose your child’s specific needs or your family’s identity to the providers.

  • Consent: By voluntarily providing information regarding special education needs, you consent to WFT using that data to facilitate your childcare matches.

 

5. Protection of Employee and Family Data

We maintain a "privacy-first" approach to all data collected through employer partnerships.

  • Strict Confidentiality: All employee data is protected and used only for the administration of care-matching services.

  • Data Security: We employ industry-standard encryption and administrative controls to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Insurance: WFT maintains comprehensive cyber-liability insurance to protect all personal and sensitive information handled by our organization.

 

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell family or employee data. We only share data with:

  • Internal Authorized Personnel: Employees who require the data to perform matching services.

  • Secure Service Providers: Third-party vendors (such as secure database hosts) who are contractually required to maintain our high privacy standards.

  • Legal Requirements: Only when compelled by Washington state or federal law.

 

7. Your Rights (Washington Residents)

In accordance with Washington state law, you have the right to:

  • Confirm whether we are processing your personal data.

  • Access and receive a copy of the data we have collected.

  • Request the deletion of your personal information.

  • Withdraw consent for the processing of sensitive care-related information.

 

8. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

Washington Families Thrive

14331 19th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Debbie.Carlsen@WaFamiliesThrive.com, 206-930-6668

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