Privacy Policy for The Authentic Educator

Effective Date: October 2025

At The Authentic Educator, we prioritize the dignity, privacy, and trust of the families we support. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we store it, and how families can exercise control over their data. Our practices align with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and, where applicable, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

1. Information We Collect
We collect limited personal and educational information as voluntarily provided by parents/guardians for advocacy and coordination purposes. This may include:

  • Student name

  • School/district information

  • Grade level and staff contacts

  • Parent/guardian name and contact information

  • Authorization preferences (consents, initials, and signatures)

We do not request or collect any clinical medical records or therapeutic notes unless separately authorized via a HIPAA-compliant form.

2. How We Use Information
Your information is used solely to:

  • Facilitate educational advocacy and school communication

  • Coordinate scheduling or team meetings

  • Support collaboration between families and school-based staff

  • Maintain authorization records and permissions

All communication is educational in nature and includes the parent/guardian unless otherwise requested.

3. Data Storage and Protection
Information is securely stored in encrypted folders within Google Drive, accessible only by The Authentic Educator’s authorized representatives. Files are password-protected and organized by academic year.

Signed forms and documentation are retained only for the period of consent (typically the school year), unless written consent specifies otherwise.

4. Who Has Access to Your Information?
 Information is only shared with:

  • School staff specified in your authorization form

  • Service providers (such as educational consultants or specialists) only with prior written consent

We do not share, sell, or distribute your information to any third party not directly involved in your child’s education plan.

5. How to Revoke Consent or Request Deletion
You may revoke your consent or request deletion of any stored records at any time by contacting us at:

Email: advocate@theauthenticeducator.org
We will confirm receipt and delete all associated records within 5 business days of the request.

6. FERPA & HIPAA Alignment
The Authentic Educator follows FERPA guidelines for all school-based communications and only engages in HIPAA-relevant activities (e.g., coordination with medical providers) with separate written permission.

7. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be available upon request or on our website.

For questions or concerns regarding your privacy, please contact:
advocate@theauthenticeducator.org