They are a group that is made mandatory by the State, but our participation is optional. We can stop at any time we want.
They exist due to the fact that kids that were "behind the curve" at a very early age were going to school at age 5 and finding that there were learning disabilities, autism, etc.
This group screens your child, so that if there is an issue, they can catch it early enough to attempt to make a difference.
I flat out told her my concerns (primarily the taking of the child). She FULLY understood, indicated that honestly, they have had to due that on rare occasion, but that is not why they were there. She said that even if that was the issue, we would know about it first. She said that in that situation (abuse and neglect), their goal is to offer solutions to solve the problem before there is any legal intervention.
She emphasised repeatedly that they are there in case there is an learning issue, to nip it in the bud early.
I feel SO much better now.
Thank y'all for your help.