Need some info about the death of a parent and how to help child cope

I'm a Pre-School teacher who teaches four and five year olds. One of the little girls in my class is about to lose her Mom to cancer. It's absolutely heartbreaking. This poor child knows that Mommy is sick to some extent but really doesn't know that very soon Mommy isn't going to be here anymore. The director today ordered and bought a whole bunch of books geared toward this child and all of the children in my class and tomorrow the director is going to talk to all of us in how to deal with this loss. Has any of you been involved in this type of situation and how did you deal with telling the child? What other suggestions may you have? As a teacher, I'm finding this so hard. I feel so bad for this poor child and can't even begin to imagine how every one in the family is feeling Thanks for your help

Re: Need some info about the death of a parent and how to help child cope

I have dealt with a student's parent's death, as well as the death of someone close to me while I was in the middle of a year, so Ive been there for the "aftermath" something like this brings.....

My suggestion is to answer all the questions as openly but appropriately as possible...
That age is pretty young, so there is a lot they might not "get". I also made sure the child in my class who lost someone was given time, patience, and lots of extra love.

I also read the book "When Dinosaurs Die". It was cute and helpful.

HTH