Originally Posted by Preschool/daycare teacher:
It is official now, it looks like. My husband and I will be moving across the country. It is a ministry opportunity that we really feel we need to do, although we don't want to at the same time (very long story). All of our family and friends are in this area. And I'm going to have to say goodbye to these families I worked so hard to enroll after just moving here in May 
One of these families has been with me since dcg was only 15 months old and her family has always just went out of their way to keep dcg with me. Dcg is 7 years old now and it seems like she should be part of my family. I can't stand the thought of leaving her and having to let her family know I won't be able to take care of her anymore. I almost feel like I'll be leaving my own child. Not quite, but you know what I mean. This family is beyond just a daycare family. They are my friends after all this time, and we have a really good bond with each other. My family and this family even know each other. I'll be recommending my sister to them for taking care of dcg (my sister "babysits" as she calls it), and dcg knows her and her kids well. But how do I break this news to them, given the personal relationship? I can't even give a month's notice And because dcg is in school and has a bunch of snow days to make up, I'm not even scheduled to have her again before I have to move
Because you ARE more than just client-provider, I'd just be honest and tell them you "have" to do this. You stated in the beginning of your post that you didn't want to but have to. I am assuming it is more of a calling if it's ministry related. If so, just be honest with them then.
Im sure it was a super hard decision to make but one you feel you HAD to. It will be hard to tell them but if the pull to do this is that strong, and the know you (really know you) they are going to be sad for sure but will understand.
I would just ask them if they have the time to stay a bit longer at pick up and then invite them in for coffee and tell them. As friends (above being just clients) they will, like I said be sad but they will more than likely totally understand the situation.
Telling them IS the hard part. But it will be okay.
