Employees of MHEL may have access to confidential information about children, families and in some cases, co-workers. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning family situations, developmental or medical concerns, employment status, and similar subjects. In accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Federal Privacy Act of 1974, PL 93-579, all information obtained about children, families, and employees is to be held in the strictest confidence. Employees may share the confidential information only on a “need to know” basis with other employees and/or professional consultants who are providing services to children, families, or employees.
Disclosure of confidential information might seriously damage the trust of our community and MHEL’s reputation and therefore such action will not be tolerated. This non-disclosure prohibition applies both during and after an employee’s employment. Any copying, reproducing, or distributing of confidential information in any manner must be authorized by management. Confidential information remains the property of the employer and must be returned to MHEL upon separation or at any time upon demand. A violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.