Yes, it is hard on you and hard on the kids to suddenly lose their friend. No closure for them, just poof, gone. I agree, the extra miles and time to bring my child to a place where she is cared for so well is worth it. I also don't think that parent get how difficult it is for us at times to know we will probably never see the child who we nurtured day in and day out for a period of time. Yes, it's part of the job, but that doesn't make it easier.
On Monday, I think for the kids sake, I would put on a happy face and tell the kids that xxxx gets to go to another fun daycare. Even though she is going to have fun, I know that we and xxxx will miss each other very much. Perhaps have the kids colour a picture to send to xxxx as a way of saying fare well.