Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Maple Leaf Education Center ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us. We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy legislation.

By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services or provide us with your information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Student Information: Age, grade level, educational background, academic records, assessment results
• Account Information: Username, password, profile information
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Communication Records: Correspondence with us via email, phone, or contact forms
• Emergency Contact Information: For enrolled students
• Health Information: Only if voluntarily provided and relevant to educational services (e.g., learning disabilities, allergies)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Small data files stored on your device (see Section 7)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Providing educational services, tutoring, and programs
• Creating and managing student accounts
• Assessing student needs and creating personalized learning plans
• Tracking academic progress and performance
• Scheduling sessions and classes
• Communicating about programs, schedules, and student progress

3.2 Administrative Purposes

• Processing payments and managing billing
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Maintaining records for operational and legal purposes
• Conducting quality assurance and improving our services

3.3 Communication

• Sending service-related notifications and updates
• Providing educational resources and tips
• Sending promotional materials (with your consent)
• Conducting surveys and requesting feedback

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting our rights and property
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as:

• Payment processors
• Cloud storage providers
• Email service providers
• Website hosting services
• Analytics providers

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

4.2 Tutors and Instructors

We share relevant student information with assigned tutors and instructors to enable effective instruction and support.

4.3 Parents and Guardians

For students under 18, we share progress reports and relevant information with parents or legal guardians.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when necessary to:

• Comply with legal processes
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others
• Prevent or investigate fraud or security issues

4.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage
• Secure servers and regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular security audits and assessments
• Employee training on data protection
• Physical security measures at our facilities

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

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Retention periods depend on:

• The nature of the information
• The purpose for which it was collected
• Legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations
• Potential legal claims or disputes

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Provide relevant content and advertising

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand website usage
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertising (with your consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit website functionality.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the following rights:

8.1 Access

You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you.

8.2 Correction

You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

8.3 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw consent for certain uses of your information, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.

8.4 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.

8.5 Opt-Out

You may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe links or contacting us.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information in Section 12.

9. Children's Privacy

We provide educational services to children under 18. When collecting information about minors, we:

• Obtain parental or guardian consent
• Collect only information necessary for educational services
• Implement additional security measures
• Provide parents with access to their child's information
• Limit disclosure of children's information

Parents or guardians may review, update, or request deletion of their child's information by contacting us.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

We will respond to your inquiries within 30 days as required by PIPEDA.

13. Consent

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, by contacting us.