Data FAQs 

Florida HIPPY Data & Privacy Information

What Information Does HIPPY Collect?

Florida HIPPY programs are required to collect the following information:

• Proof that families are eligible for services
• Basic family information (age, education, income, household size)
• Parent surveys about family life and educational interests
• Information about children’s learning and development
• Participation in HIPPY program activities

Is My Family’s Information Safe?

Yes. Your information is protected.

• Data is stored on a secure server maintained by the University of South Florida (USF)
• The system meets HIPAA and FERPA privacy standards
• Only authorized staff can access the data
• Your information is never shared or sold

Who Collects My Information?

• Your Home Visitor collects your information
• They enter it directly into a secure system

Who Can See the Data?

Access is limited:

• Home Visitors — only see their assigned families
• Program Directors — see data for their site
• USF Data Managers — review combined data across all sites

Data is used to report totals, such as:

• Number of families served
• Number of children served

What Happens During Audits?

Each year:

• About 3–5% of records are randomly reviewed
• Auditors check for accurate reporting and program quality
• Personal information is removed (names, addresses, SSNs)
• Auditors are legally required to keep information confidential

Will My Name Be Shared in Reports?

No.

• Reports only include group data
• Your name and your child’s name are never included
• Data is not used to evaluate individual families

How Is the Data Used?

Your information helps:

• Meet requirements from the State of Florida and funders
• Show how families participate in HIPPY
• Evaluate how well HIPPY prepares children for school

Why Do You Ask About Income and Household Size?

This information helps us:

• Understand who HIPPY serves
• Show that we support diverse families
• Study whether the program works equally well for all income levels

What If My Information Changes?

That’s okay.

• Information is not compared across forms
• Income is only used for averages (example: average family income)

Summary of Data Protection

• Data collection is required by funders and program standards
• Information is stored securely
• Only authorized staff have access
• Data is used only for program improvement and reporting
• Staff receive annual training on confidentiality

Florida HIPPY Longitudinal Study (FHLS)

Information for Parents and Caregivers

Why Does This Study Matter?

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) asks HIPPY to show results. Researchers study:

• Test scores
• Attendance
• Grade promotion
• Graduation

This helps improve HIPPY for families like yours.

Do I Have to Participate?

Participation is completely voluntary. You can:

1. Say yes and allow participation
2. Say no and still receive full HIPPY services
3. Ask questions before deciding

You can also change your decision at any time.

Who Runs the Study?

• Led by Dr. Tracy Payne at USF
• Supported by trained research staff
• All staff follow strict confidentiality rules

How Does the Study Work?

If you agree to participate:

• You provide your child’s student ID or Social Security number
• The DOE securely shares school data with USF researchers
• Data is stored in a password-protected system
• Reports use group results only

How Is My Child’s Privacy Protected?

• Data is shared through secure systems only
• Personal details are removed from reports
• Information is never sold or used outside the study
• Audits do not include identifying information

What Are the Risks and Benefits?

• No cost to participate
• Minimal risk (similar to everyday life)
• No direct benefit to individual families
• Overall benefit: helps improve programs that support children’s success

What Are the Key Points to Remember?

• Participation is your choice
• You can withdraw at any time
• Your decision does not affect services
• Your child’s information is safe

Who Do I Contact With Questions?

For questions or to withdraw:

Dr. Tracy Payne
Phone: 813-974-2177
Email: FloridaHIPPY@usf.edu

For concerns about research:

Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Phone: 813-974-5638
Email: RSCH-IRB@usf.edu