GEEC Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1st August 2025
At Gettis Exceptional Education Corporation (GEEC), your privacy is a top priority. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable laws in the United States and the Dominican Republic, including:
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – U.S. law protecting student education records.
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – U.S. law safeguarding personal health information (PHI).
- The Dominican Republic’s Law No. 172-13 – Governing the protection of personal data.
1. Who We Are
GEEC is a nonprofit organization focused on training educators and improving special education services across the Dominican Republic and internationally. Our online platforms deliver educational content, support teacher certification, and manage training data.
2. What Information We Collect
a. Personal Information
- Full name, address, phone number, and email.
- ID numbers or national identifiers for certification purposes (e.g., cedula in the Dominican Republic).
- Course enrollment history, grades, and evaluations.
b. Educational Records (FERPA-Compliant)
- Participation data in online and in-person courses.
- Student support and assessment data.
- Teacher assistant and educator feedback, observations, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP)-related notes.
c. Health-Related Information (HIPAA-Compliant)
- If applicable, GEEC may collect limited health data for safety, learning accommodations, or support referrals (e.g., allergies, neurodevelopmental diagnoses, emergency contacts).
d. Digital and Usage Data
- Device type, browser information, IP address, and access times.
- LMS usage, quiz activity, course progression, and learning analytics.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide access to and manage educational courses and certifications.
- Communicate with users about updates, materials, assignments, and opportunities.
- Support students with learning plans, modifications, and accommodations.
- Evaluate and improve course delivery and educational outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with local and international privacy laws.
4. How We Protect Your Information
We implement industry-standard security protocols, including:
- Encrypted storage of all student and educator data.
- Role-based access controls for LMS administrators and instructors.
- HIPAA- and FERPA-aligned security layers for health or education records.
- Compliance with Dominican Law 172-13, including rights of access, correction, and deletion of personal data.
5. Data Sharing and Access
We do not sell or rent your personal data.
Your data may be shared with:
- Ministry of Education (MIERD) officials for certification or compliance.
- Partner universities and NGOs (only under strict data-sharing agreements).
- Educational support personnel (e.g., special education instructors, case reviewers).
Consent is required before sharing any data beyond these purposes.
6. Your Rights Under Dominican Law 172-13
If you are located in the Dominican Republic, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data.
- Request corrections or deletions of inaccurate or outdated information.
- Withdraw consent at any time.
- File a complaint with the Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (INDOTEL) if your data rights are violated.
7. FERPA Rights for Educators and Students
For U.S.-based educators or students:
- You may inspect and request amendment of your educational records.
- No identifiable education record will be disclosed without prior written consent unless legally authorized.
8. HIPAA Notice (If Applicable)
If GEEC provides health-related support or referrals, any Protected Health Information (PHI) will be handled by certified personnel and stored separately from educational data. Access is limited, logged, and subject to HIPAA compliance requirements.
9. AI and Automated Course Tools
GEEC may use AI-assisted platforms for:
- Automated grading
- Course personalization
- Content delivery
Your data will never be used to train AI systems without your consent, and all AI tools we use meet required privacy and data handling standards.
10. Third-Party Services
GEEC uses secure third-party vendors for:For U.S.-based educators or students:
- Learning Management Systems (e.g., LearnDash, Moodle)
- Video hosting platforms
- Email and communication services
Each vendor is vetted for FERPA, HIPAA, and Law 172-13 alignment where applicable.
11. Children’s Privacy
GEEC’s services are intended for individuals 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without parental consent. For students with disabilities under 18, data collection and use are aligned with guardian consent and educational need.
12. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. You will be notified of significant changes via email and on our website.
Availability of Website
- Internet protocol (IP) addresses
- Browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Date and time stamp, referring/exit pages
- Possibly the number of click
