Make a list of child development and early education professionals to invite. The guest list may be limited to your specific center, school district or a variety of schools/centers from the local geographic area. Invite lead teachers, directors, assistant directors, early intervention specialists and other related professionals who are responsible for creating and/or administering a curriculum. Gather together names, contact e-mail or phone numbers and work addresses.
Select a venue, date and time for the idea exchange. This should be a professional environment, preferably at your school or center. If possible, hold the exchange in a conference room or teachers' lounge with adult-sized chairs and furniture. In lieu of this type of setting, hold the exchange in a classroom. The date and time should be consistent with most teachers' work schedules. Avoid in-school times, and stick to weekday evenings or weekends.
Create a simple explanatory invitation on your computer. Draft a letter including a paragraph or two about the purpose of the idea exchange, what to bring (just ideas or actual lesson plans and documents), exchange logistics such as date and time, and a means to RSVP. Print the invitation and mail to the guests or e-mail the letter.
Count the number of guests who RSVP. Make a list or spreadsheet of guests, their schools/centers and any other important information such as job titles or ages taught.
Set up the room for the exchange. Create a welcome table at the room entry point. Include stick-on name tags, markers to write names, a guest name check list, any school or curriculum documents that you wish to supply, pencils/pens and notebooks or paper. Place a flip chart-style pad on an easel or use a dry erase board in the front center of the room. Set out enough chairs and table space for the number of guests in attendance.
Start the exchange with an ice breaker or introduction time. Ask each guest to introduce him or herself, school affiliation, years teaching, ages taught and experience with curriculum planning.
Hold a group brainstorming session introducing different teacher's/professional's experience with curriculum. Invite the guests to talk about what type of curriculum is in use and the specific facets of the curriculum. Write important points and ideas on the flip chart or dry erase board. Ask for volunteer contributions or go in a circle (or by table/chair order) to give everyone a chance to contribute.
Pass out any written documents such as plans to exchange.