I disagree. Not with the reasons of wanting only one transition if given choice but with putting a stranger's family above own.

This is business. We don't tell client all our personal business until we are ready. If moving, they would have less than 6 months notice. If a client was moving, apply for job outside area, they wouldn't tell us in advance. A client will do what in best interest of own family and just because we home day care, that does not negate our right to do same.

If you need protect your income for set period of time, I think you do all you can to do that.

Does it suck for client? Of course. But if contract permit provider giving certain amount of notice, that all you have to do. Just like client can often give more notice than contract say, but opt not to, to protect their day care place.