Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates the provision of early intervention (El) services to qualifying children under 36 months old. Socia/­ emotional development is one area that programs are obligated to provide assessment and intervention for and yet, most El programs do not have licensed mental health professionals (MHP) on staff This article highlights the need for the MHP as a member of the El team and presents ways to expand their role to enhance the quality of El services provided to children and families. The author describes how the El program in Frederick County, Maryland, is using MHP in an innovative way.