If the child's age is over 18 months, the professional assessment must include an evaluation by which type of professional?

• A. A licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other appropriately licensed or credentialed professional
• B. A school counselor
• C. A pediatric nurse
• D. A social worker with no license

Answer: (A)

Requiring a licensed or credentialed mental health professional to evaluate a child over 18 months ensures the assessment is conducted by someone with proper training, credentials, and ethical standards to interpret developmental and behavioral findings and guide placement decisions. A licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other appropriately licensed professional has the expertise to administer standardized tests, diagnose conditions if present, and provide informed recommendations. A school counselor is important for educational planning but may not have the licensed credentials to conduct formal mental health evaluations. A pediatric nurse focuses on medical care rather than mental health assessment. A social worker without a license lacks the credentialing necessary to perform an authoritative mental health evaluation.