Program has a written employee confidentiality policy that dictates how child, family and employee information are kept confidential.

Documentation
[ Points: 2 ]

  • Confidentiality policy describing how employees maintain confidential information on children, families, and other employees

It is important to maintain confidentiality regarding children, families and employees.

Understanding PP-4

Why is it important for a program to have a written employee confidentiality policy that dictates how child, family, and employee information are kept confidential?

Confidentiality of all personal information regarding children, families, and employees is critical to the safety and well-being of each individual associated with the program.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services' licensing regulations stipulate that all information relating to an individual child be kept confidential and not disclosed without written parental permission (NYS OCFS 418-1.15 (5)).

Early Care and Education programs are entrusted with an array of confidential information about the children they care for, the parents/guardians they serve, and the staff they employ. It is vitally important for Early Care and Education programs to respect the trust given to them and make every effort to protect this information by requiring all staff members to sign a statement agreeing to protect all personal information and keep it confidential.

Confidentiality statements can include policies regarding social media, posting photos on internet sites, emailing correspondence with parents/guardians, posting confidential information about children or families within the child care facility, sharing confidential information with service providers without written permission from parents/guardians, texting with co-workers, or disclosing confidential information to any unauthorized individuals.