School is almost back in session and that means cooperating with the other parent over school-related tasks. 2020 was a year like no other, but most schools are returning to education as usual this fall, so it’s time to revisit past parenting plans and to determine who is in charge of what going forward.
Below are some important ideas to keep in mind when opening a dialogue with your co-parent or working with your Maryland family law attorney on drafting a formal parenting plan. Your parenting plans from 2019 and 2020 might no longer reflect the needs of your family, so this is a good opportunity to make updates.
Since there’s been so much change and uncertainty, check out this back-to-school checklist provided by the CDC to make sure you’re prepared. Here are four specific things to look at before sending your child back to school:
Enrollment Changes
If you moved to a different area or chose a new school for your child to attend, enrollment presents unique challenges. New schedules, different teachers, and different policies should all be considered by both the parents and the student. It can take some time to adjust to new bus routes or after-school events, too. If enrollment has changed, you may want to evaluate whether previous decisions about pickup and drop-off need to be updated.
Sick Day Management and Schedule Concerns
It may be the case that you and the other co-parent can always accommodate the same pick-up and drop-off schedule, but more flexibility might be required based on work schedules and other commitments.
Which parent will be called to pick up the child if they get sick at school? Who will stay home with and supervise a child due to sickness, in-service events, or snow days?
Supplies and Clothing Purchases
Most students need new clothes and supplies before hitting the books. Whether you create a budget and split it down the middle or agree to divide and conquer, make sure you’re on the same page about what the child really needs. Don’t forget about supplies for special projects/after school activities or funds for school lunch, either.
COVID Protocol
Make sure you’re clear about the individual school’s COVID protocol. Create your own, too. Your family must have answers to the following questions:
- Who is going to manage virtual school if that becomes necessary?
- Who will be the point of contact if there is a COVID outbreak in the school?
- Who will schedule COVID testing, if needed, for the child?
- Will the other parent be willing to take the child if someone in the other home tests positive for COVID?
Get Support with Your Baltimore Parenting Plan
If you’re not able to come to terms with the other parent on your own or you’re concerned about creating and using an adaptable parenting plan, contact the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher at 410-602-9522.
