Truth Be Told

This is a tough situation, because you have her best interest at heart and at the same time have to protect yourself and your business. I would say wait till after the school year starts, however by end of September/early October, you should have the new teacher and inform the parents about the situation. As a parent, I would be more appreciative if I know the new teacher wand that this person would be mentored by the existing teacher until December. It also gives parents and the new teacher a chance to develop a relationship before she is in charge of the classroom. Good luck to you.

If I was one of the moms, I would definitely appreciate more that you hire someone and have her be guided by this girl until she leaves in December. It would be much easier transition and also gives parents more confidence in your decisions. It would be best option looking from a parent's point of view as well as business POV.

D.,
I love that you are so caring and kind. It is difficult to watch someone we care for go through tough stuff but when people are grown all you can do is give them your best advice and keep it moving.

People will either take the advice or not. It is their choice. We have our own journey through life. She must take hers. Her culture is different and she is equipped to handle that or not but she has to take her journey.

As for the school, hire a new teacher. If she is willing to train and prepare that teacher great, if not then you need to put on your management hat and make some decisions. Your schools reputation isn't just about this teacher but also about you as the administrator and your ability to pick people that best represent your companies ideals and practices. You may loose some students because of the change in teacher but you owe it to the parents to be transparent about the transitioning to a new teacher. I doubt you will loose as many as 15 students and if you did I would question how people see you as a administrator and facilitator.

If you are a praying woman, I would strongly recommend prayer as a source of guidance and direction.

Please let me know how this turns out for you.

D.,
Just the fact that you are posting this question means that you care a great deal about the children who attend your preschool, as well as your staff. I am sure that is the main reason why you have so many clients - I doubt that they are coming JUST for the teacher and I doubt that they will pull out JUST because she is leaving.
I think if you can afford to hire a new teacher and have your current teacher "train" her until December, that is above and beyond what most employers would do (especially during a recession) and I think the parents would definitely notice your kind intentions for both their children and your staff and definitely keep their children in such a loving school.
Has the present teacher formally handed in her notice, or is there a chance that she may stay beacuse of the shaky situation of things? If she hasn't quite decided, then I don't think you need to formally address your clients about it, but I think that you could just explain, in person, that you have hired a new teacher in training who may or may not become the primary teacher since your current teacher got married and is thinking of moving back to India at the end of the year.
As for your kindergarten teacher, keep doing what you are doing - show her loving support, try to see things from her perspective, and let her know she can always come back to your employ in the future. Try to check in with her from time to time if she does move back to India, so she knows she is not alone and has options if needed.
You are a very kind person.
Take care,
D.

On the point of telling the parents, i dont think you should say anything you would risk loosing the students and it sounds like you will make sure they are given the best care whether this teacher is there or not. anyway... things might change, she could stay and there's no reason to upset everyone just yet. once the semester in going then around Halloween you could notify the parents. (they dont need to know you know before the semester started.) on the teacher's life situation, there's not much you can do but be supportive and make sure she knows she has choices and you will be there for her if/when she changes her mind.

by the way... this has nothing to do with you posting but i have a friend who is a very good teacher. the school she was working at lost funding for her program so she is looking for a new position as a kindergarten teacher.. (preschol - 3grade) in northern nj.

Well.

I have managed employees for many years, and what I can say about your letter is you are lucky she is giving you so much notice..many employers really just up and go with 1-2 weeks notice tops.

Be upfront with the parents, tell them you are looking for a mid year replacement...

There are many talented people out of work, and I believe you will have a lot of applicants.

Sounds like your teacher now needs to move on and do what she feels she needs to do...respect that.

K

Dear D.,
You sound like a nice, caring person, but I think you're being too emotional about business. Sometimes things have a way of working themselves out, and we've huffed and puffed for naught.

Recognize that the bride-to-be is from a different culture that we can never fully understand or re-direct her lifestyle. She needs to follow her customs and those of her groom, whether it seems right to us or not. All you can do is wish her well on that journey.

As for the parents and the children...I'm in many fine preschools in the course of my business (I sell Discovery Toys and often work closely with directors to organize fundraisers) and I'm thinking about some of the professionals who I admire most and how they would handle this. I don't think they would ever tell the parents so far in advance, giving them a reason to pull out! Supposing something were to change and the teacher didn't leave?...You'd have egg on your face. I think you're right to look for a suitable replacement and do everything you can to prepare for the best (not the worst!)