IA HSB604

Authorizes community-based childcare providers to directly participate in Iowa's statewide preschool program for four-year-olds, rather than only through partnerships 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, participating in data collection and performance measurement, and maintaining professional development plans for preschool teachers

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

Directs the Department of Education to implement an application and selection process for community-based provider participation and to track student progress through elementary and secondary education