IEP? 504? If those letters make your head spin, you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan, BCASE, breaks down the real-world difference between 504 Plans and IEPs—and why that distinction matters for every student receiving support in Texas schools.

Dominique explains the laws behind each plan—Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—and walks you through:

• What a 504 Plan really provides (access and accommodations).
• What an IEP guarantees (specialized instruction, measurable goals, and progress monitoring).
• How parents can tell which plan fits their child’s needs.
• The advocate’s approach to reviewing evaluation data and asking the right eligibility questions.

You’ll also hear real-life examples that make the differences crystal-clear—and an empowering reminder that the goal isn’t the label, it’s your child’s access and progress.

💡Quick Takeaway: Don’t get caught up in which plan sounds better; focus on which one ensures your child can learn, participate, and grow.

📘 Download your free IEP vs. 504 Quick Guide and explore additional resources at www.wholechildadvocacy.com

#WholeChildAdvocate #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #IEP #504Plan #InclusiveEducation #TheWoodlandsTX

Confidence is one of the most powerful tools a child can carry into the classroom—especially for students with learning differences, behavioral challenges, or special-education supports.

In this week’s episode, Dominique McLellan, BCASE, shares practical ways parents and educators can help children feel capable, valued, and ready to learn.

You’ll hear the story of a student who rediscovered his voice once he felt safe to try, and you’ll learn three research-backed strategies that build lasting confidence:

1️⃣ Celebrate progress, not perfection.

2️⃣ Model positive self-talk and problem-solving.

3️⃣ Partner with teachers to create consistent encouragement at home and school.

These small, intentional actions can transform how children see themselves—not just as learners, but as capable people who belong in every classroom.

Quick Takeaway: Confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s a skill that grows with practice, patience, and partnership.

For more information or assistance with your student or child, reach out to us at www.wholechildadvocacy.com.

#WholeChildAdvocate #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #Confidence #IEP #504Plan #TheWoodlandsTX

In this very first episode, host Dominique McLellan, BCASE, shares the story behind The Whole Child Advocate and the heart that drives her mission to support families and educators navigating special education.

Before becoming a Board-Certified Advocate, Dominique was a special education teacher who often saw parents sitting in ARD meetings overwhelmed by unfamiliar language and complex decisions. She made it her priority to slow down, explain the “why” behind each part of the IEP, and help families truly understand what was being proposed for their child. But when she was told to shorten meetings to protect school schedules, she realized something important — the system wasn’t built for collaboration; it was built for compliance.

That moment sparked Whole Child Advocacy, an organization designed to bring compassion, clarity, and connection back into the special education process.

In this episode, Dominique introduces what you can expect each week — short, heart-centered conversations (most under 15 minutes) that blend stories, strategies, and encouragement to help every child thrive.

Quick takeaway: Start by writing your Parent Vision Statement — a short paragraph that centers your child’s story and guides every educational decision.

📘 Download your free Parent Vision Statement Guide at www.wholechildadvocacy.com.

#WholeChildAdvocate #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #IEP #504Plan #InclusiveEducation #TheWoodlandsTX