Atlanta Public Schools hosted its annual Exceptional Parent Expo on May 21, bringing together families of exceptional students with educators, community organizations, and service providers. The event aimed to provide resources and support for exceptional learners through interactive workshops, vendor booths, and student performances.
The expo is part of a longstanding effort by the district’s Exceptional Education Department to connect families with information designed to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. The department oversees services for students ages three through 21 who qualify for special education and related supports. These services are tailored to each student’s educational needs and include assessments, interventions, and individualized support plans.
Stacey Collier, an exceptional education coordinator at Atlanta Public Schools, said the expo reflects the department’s broader mission: “working alongside families and community partners to help students achieve academic success and prepare for life after graduation.” Families attending the event had access to a wide range of vendors offering programs such as home healthcare for medically fragile children, parent advocacy support groups, tutoring services, health care coordination, post-secondary education opportunities for those with disabilities, employment transition resources, wellness activities focused on inclusivity in special needs communities, after-school programs, free childcare options from local organizations like YMCA of Atlanta Early Learning Center.
The list of participating organizations included healthcare providers such as 4Ward Healthcare; advocacy groups like Atlanta Thrive; government agencies including Fulton County Board of Health; research institutions such as Marcus Autism Center; vocational rehabilitation agencies; holistic wellness centers like Urban Indigo; educational consortia focused on post-secondary inclusion; among others.
As the school district continues these efforts annually through events like this expo—connecting parents directly with critical resources—the focus remains on ensuring every student receives appropriate support tailored to their individual needs.
