The Americorps Child Care Program is dedicated to supporting our members by providing access to vital childcare services, enabling them to focus on their service and community contributions. We understand that when you entrust us with your personal information, you expect us to handle it with care and respect. This privacy statement is designed to clearly outline how we collect, use, and protect your personal data within the AmeriCorps Child Care Program framework. We are committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your information, adhering to all relevant regulations and best practices.
How We Collect and Use Your Information
To determine your eligibility for the AmeriCorps Child Care Program and to facilitate payments to childcare providers on your behalf, we need to collect certain personal information. This information includes your name, address, phone numbers, and date of birth for children requiring care. For childcare providers, we collect their Social Security Number/Tax Identification Number, banking information, phone number, and address to ensure the smooth and secure disbursement of childcare benefits. This data collection is crucial for the effective administration of the program, allowing us to verify eligibility and process payments efficiently.
Protecting Your Data: Security and Privacy Act Compliance
Gap Solutions Inc. is firmly committed to safeguarding any personal information we receive against unauthorized access and disclosure. The data you provide is voluntary and is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and our agency’s privacy policy. The collection of your information is authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Serve America Act of 2009 (Pub. L. No. 111-13). Choosing not to disclose your personal data may affect your ability to receive childcare benefits or hinder the processing of your application. The use of collected information is strictly limited to the purposes outlined in this privacy statement, unless disclosure is mandated or permitted by the Privacy Act. Information may be shared with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as civil, criminal, or regulatory investigators and prosecutors when necessary and legally appropriate. For detailed information on the routine uses authorized under this system of records, please consult the Federal Register notice available at https://www.federalregister.gov/index/2018.
Understanding the Privacy Act Statement (PAS)
The Privacy Act Statement (PAS) provides further clarity on the legal and operational aspects of data handling within the AmeriCorps Child Care Benefit System.
Authorities: The collection of this information is authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (42 USC 12501 et seq.), the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (42 USC 4950 et seq.), and E.O. 9397, as amended. These legal frameworks provide the foundation for the AmeriCorps Child Care Program and its data management practices.
Purposes: The primary purpose of collecting this information is to effectively manage, administer, and evaluate the childcare benefits program offered to eligible AmeriCorps Service Members. This includes processing applications, verifying eligibility, and ensuring proper benefit disbursement.
Routine Uses: In the course of program administration, routine uses of your information may include disclosure to: (1) contractors who assist us in administering the childcare benefit program, ensuring efficient operation and support; (2) individuals and organizations providing childcare services, to facilitate payments and verify service provision; and (3) federal, state, or local agencies when legally authorized requests are made, for compliance and oversight purposes. A comprehensive list of routine uses can be found in the system of records notice associated with this information collection, identified as CNCS–06–CPO–ACB–AmeriCorps Child Care Benefit System (ACB).
Effects of Nondisclosure: Providing the requested information is voluntary. However, failing to provide the necessary information will likely impact your ability to receive childcare benefits under the AmeriCorps Child Care Program, as complete information is essential for eligibility determination and benefit processing.
Email Communication Notice: Proceed with Caution
We offer email communication channels on our websites to address your comments and questions regarding our services. We will share your inquiries with our customer service team and relevant employees who are best equipped to provide assistance.
However, it’s important to be aware that standard, non-encrypted internet email communications may be susceptible to access and viewing by other internet users without your knowledge or consent while in transit. To protect your privacy, we strongly advise against using email to communicate information that you consider confidential or sensitive. For secure communication of sensitive information, please contact us via non-cellular telephone at the numbers provided on our websites.
For specific areas on GAP Solutions Inc.’s websites requiring a more secure environment for information exchange, we have implemented special provisions and will provide clear instructions at each of these locations to ensure your data is protected.
By understanding these privacy practices, you can be confident in your participation in the AmeriCorps Child Care Program, knowing that your personal information is handled with the utmost care and in accordance with stringent privacy standards.