IA HF2358

Authorizes community-based childcare providers to directly participate in Iowa's statewide preschool program for four-year-olds, rather than only partnering with school districts

Creates a new definition for "community-based provider approved to directly participate in the preschool program" as providers meeting requirements under Section 256C.3 and approved by the Department of Education

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules defining requirements for community-based providers, including demonstrating readiness for high-quality instruction, data collection and performance reporting, and professional development plans

Allows both school districts and approved community-based providers to enroll younger or older children if space and funding are available, though those children cannot be counted for state funding purposes

Directs the Department of Education to implement an application and selection process for both school district and community-based provider participation in the preschool program