Privacy Policy.

Mercy Nest Childcare ("Mercy Nest," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of the families and children we serve. This policy explains what we collect when you visit our website or enroll, how we use it, and the choices you have.

1. Information we collect

Information you give us

When you contact us, schedule a tour, sign up for Nest Notes, or submit an enrollment application, we may collect:

• Parent or guardian name, email address, phone number, and home address
• Child's name, date of birth, allergies, medical needs, and emergency contacts
• Information you choose to share in messages or applications

Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect device, browser, and usage information through cookies and similar technologies (pages viewed, time on page, referring site). This helps us understand how the site is used and improve it.

2. How we use information

• To respond to inquiries and schedule tours
• To process enrollment and care for your child safely
• To send the occasional Nest Notes newsletter (only if you subscribed)
• To comply with applicable Maryland childcare licensing requirements
• To improve the website and our services

3. Information about children

Information about enrolled children is treated with the highest level of care. We collect it only for safety, licensing, and care purposes, and share it only with staff who need it to care for your child, or with health professionals and authorities where law requires.

Photos or videos of children are never published on this website or social media without explicit written parental permission.

4. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only:

• With service providers who help us run our website, email, or scheduling tools, under confidentiality obligations
• With Maryland licensing or regulatory authorities when required
• With emergency responders or medical professionals if your child's safety requires it
• With your consent, or as otherwise required by law

5. Cookies and analytics

We may use basic analytics (such as Google Analytics or Plausible) to understand how visitors find and use our site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; some site features may not work as expected if you do.

6. Data retention

We keep enrollment and contact records for as long as your family is with us, and afterward only as long as required by Maryland childcare regulations. Newsletter subscribers may unsubscribe at any time using the link in any Nest Notes email.

7. Your choices

• Access or correct the information we hold about you, email us
• Unsubscribe from Nest Notes at any time
• Withdraw consent for photo or video use

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we hold. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, but we work to protect your information once we receive it.

9. Children under 13 visiting the website

This website is intended for parents and guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the site itself. If you believe we have, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page tells you when. Material changes will be communicated by email to enrolled families.

11. Contact us

Questions about this policy? Reach out:

Mercy Nest Childcare
11707 N Bunnell CT, Potomac, MD, 20854
Email: info@mercynestchildcare.com
Phone: +1 (301) 337-0478