IEP meetings can be some of the most emotional and high-stakes conversations a parent will ever sit through. When communication breaks down, it’s easy for frustration, defensiveness, and even self-doubt to take over.

In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan shares both practical communication strategies and personal reflection from recent challenging IEP meetings — including moments that made her question herself.

You’ll learn:

• How tone and body language shape the outcome of a meeting

• Ways to express concerns clearly without escalating conflict

• How to separate procedural frustrations from student-centered decisions

• Why documentation and follow-up matter

• How to bring conversations back to what truly matters — the child

Dominique reminds listeners that legal missteps and disagreements can be addressed — but they should never overshadow the primary objective of any IEP meeting: doing what is best for the student.

💡 Key Takeaway: Collaboration starts with communication — and advocacy thrives when the child remains at the center.

📘 Reach out to us for personalized advice and read the companion blog at:
www.wholechildadvocacy.com

Advocacy isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being the most consistent and informed one.

In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan shares the core philosophy behind her work: the most effective advocacy is parent-led and child-focused. When parents understand their rights, stay grounded in their child’s long-term needs, and lead with clarity and compassion, meetings become more productive — and outcomes become more meaningful.

You’ll learn:

• What “parent-led advocacy” actually means (and what it doesn’t)

• Why parents are the constant in their child’s educational journey

• How to keep decisions centered on your child — not system convenience

• Common advocacy pitfalls to avoid

• How leadership rooted in love and information becomes empowerment

💡 Key Takeaway: When parents lead with love and information, advocacy becomes empowerment.

📘 Read the companion blog post, Why Advocacy Should Be Parent-Led and Child-Focused, and book a consultation at:
www.wholechildadvocacy.com

🎧 Follow The Whole Child Advocate for weekly support, strategy, and encouragement for families navigating special education with confidence.

Special education can feel overwhelming — not because parents aren’t capable, but because the weight of advocacy often falls on them alone. In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan, BCASE, explores why special education feels so heavy and how building a strong, connected support network can make all the difference.

This episode blends emotional validation with practical guidance to help parents move from isolation to collaboration.

You’ll learn:

• Why advocacy feels exhausting for so many families

• Who should be part of your child’s support network

• How to build trust-based relationships with teachers and specialists

• Simple ways to maintain connection without constant meetings

• Why consistency matters more than being “the loudest voice”

💡 Key Takeaway: Collaboration builds confidence — in your child and in the adults supporting them.

📘 Read the companion blog, Why Special Education Feels So Heavy, at:
www.wholechildadvocacy.com

🎧 Follow The Whole Child Advocate for weekly episodes supporting parents navigating special education with clarity and compassion.