Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes the ways in which Text and Learn for Kindergarten (TALK) collects and uses information you provide through the text messaging service and website. By using TALK, you consent to the processing of your information as set forth in this Privacy Policy.
Information TALK collects
TALK collects information you provide when you sign up for the optional text messaging service, participate in surveys, voluntarily provide demographic data for our research, and/or contact us with a question or request. The information you provide when you sign up for TALK includes your preferred language (English or Spanish), your mobile telephone number, your child’s date of birth or expected date of birth, and your ZIP code. Demographic data you can optionally provide includes your level of education, family income, family size, race, and ethnicity.
How TALK uses the information
TALK uses the information you provide to send developmentally appropriate activities to you in your language of choice based on your child’s age, to send notifications of free local events and library services to you based on your ZIP code, to improve TALK through your responses to surveys and data analysis, and to respond to your questions and requests. Optional demographic data is de-identified from your phone number and is only used as stated below.
How TALK discloses the information
TALK may disclose collected de-identified information for reports, presentations, and grant applications, and other information as required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena or other legal process, or to comply with government reporting obligations or when otherwise requested by law enforcement. All TALK information will be accessible to selected personnel at the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS), Ypsilanti District Library (YDL), and HighScope Educational Research Foundation (HighScope). Information relevant to each subscribing library (TALK service subscriber information for the ZIP codes serviced by that library) will be accessible via an authenticated web page by selected personnel at that library.
Data storage and security
Information that you provide when you sign up for TALK and demographic data you optionally provide resides on a secure server which is part of the MCLS infrastructure. This server is accessible only to select MCLS personnel. TALK periodically distributes voluntary user surveys to assess the quality of the program.
Information collected through TALK will be processed in and subject to the laws of the United States. You understand and agree that we may collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process your information as described in this Policy and according to the United States law. Your personal information may be disclosed to the United States government or its agencies under a lawful order made in the United States. Your information may be retained as long as there is a potential use for the information, as required by law.
Opting out
You can choose to opt out of receiving SMS text messages by texting STOP to 75547 or utilizing the contact information listed in the ‘Contact Us’ section below.
Children’s Information
TALK is neither directed to, nor do we knowingly collect information from, children under the age of 13. If you become aware that your child or any child under your care has provided us with information without your consent, please contact us at the email or phone number listed below. If you provide information about a child under the age of 13, you hereby represent that you are authorized to provide such information.
Contact us
If you have questions regarding this policy or our use of the information collected through TALK, or if you experience any problems with TALK, please email us at talkhelp@mcls.org, or call us at 517-325-5545.
Terms and Conditions
Our mobile text messages are intended for subscribers over the age of 13 and are delivered via U.S. short code 75547. You may receive 8-10 messages per month for TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten. Subscribers may opt into this service via the registration form on www.textandlearn.org or by texting the keywords ‘START’ or ‘TALK’ to 75547. Message and data rates may apply.
This service is available to persons with phones that are text capable and have a mobile plan with US short code messaging enabled, and are subscribed to AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA, Cincinnati Bell, Centennial Wireless, Unicel, MetroPCS, U.S. Cellular®, Boost, or one of these carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
For help, text HELP to 75547, email talkhelp@mcls.org, or call 517-325-5545. You may stop your mobile subscription at any time by text messaging STOP to 75547.
TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten is an optional service provided for families with children 5 years old or younger. Subscribers to this service will receive 8-10 messages per month with fun, easy activities they can do at home to help prepare their children for school success. The activities will be delivered to the subscriber via mobile text messages. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [LG-246434-OLS-20].