Do You Give A Gift To A Family Leaving Care?

[Laurel]

I have two families leaving my care. They are both teacher's children and their last child with me. I am very sad...as these are my best families, but not only that..they just get it! They are wonderful families and I am sad that I will no longer be caring for their children.
Do you buy them a gift? Just wondering how you all handle this.Thanks!

What I did in the past was give them one of those books that has a page for each of their school years. You can put a picture and notes. They usually don't have a page for preschool though but I improvised...maybe used the kindergarten one but can't remember.

I only gave it to families that have been with me a long time. I also gave a touching letter called "Dear Toddler" but I can't find it anymore. I didn't write it but it was on the web.

I just retired and today was my last day. I gave the last two I had one of their favorite toys they liked of mine while here. Since I am having a garage sale to sell all my stuff I also gave my last one that left today about 15 books that were his age level and a few more odds and ends that I thought his mom could use for him. I didn't buy anything though.

I had two at the end who had been with me a long time. One gave me an edible fruit arrangement on Mother's Day which was about two weeks before they left and today from the other family I got 12 roses and a $50 restaurant gift certificate. Didn't expect those things but it was great! Oh and also a very, very nice card of appreciation.

Laurel