During the child's last couple weeks at daycare, I talk to the kids about how xxx is leaving and we won't see xxx anymore so we need to have lots of fun and play with xxx before they leave. My group has always been on the younger side (1-almost 3) so I don't know how much they really get it but I discuss it everyday to "prepare" them. I also talk to the child leaving about how much fun they are going to have at preschool/new daycare/ staying home with a parent etc so they also get used to it. On the last day we have a mini goodbye party and give hugs before everyone leaves.

As for parents, I don't think I've ever had a parent not ask! I only have 3-5 families in my care at one time so it's a close group and there have always been at least 2 that know each other outside of dc. Most of the time, the parent leaving will tell the others anyways. I have never had a parent leave on bad terms though so I have never thought that xxx leaving because they are going to preschool/new daycare/staying home with parent was overly private. If they were leaving because I termed them, I would just say "It didn't work out here so xxx is going to have fun at a new daycare".

For me, part of being a hdc is the "homey" feel I offer and that includes making the families feel comfortable and part of a group while here. All of my families get to know each other and the other children pretty good so it would be abrupt to come to dc one morning and little xxx wasn't here and no one had gotten the chance to say goodbye.