Should the flattened 'mother bulb' be removed from the new bulb in the fall prior to storage, prior to planting in the spring or not removed at all?
I would wait until spring to separate them. Separating them in the fall creates a wound, which increases the chance that disease and rot could get into the corms.
My glad bulbs come up out of the ground and then they lay on the surface. They are not in the ground.
This is called frost heave. This article will help you prevent it:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/preventing-frost-heave-in-your-garden.htm
I need to know how to plant the tiny baby corms.
These articles should help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/care-of-gladiolas-how-to-grow-gladiolas-in-your-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/start-gladiolas-early.htm
Can glads be grown in containers?
Yes, quite happily. Just plant them in containers as you would in the ground and make sure to keep them watered.
My gladiolus corms started growing in my basement. What should I do with them since I live in northern Iowa and it's too soon to plant?
You can go ahead and plant them in a container or follow the directions in this article to keep them going until you can plant them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/start-gladiolas-early.htm
For the past two years, I have had tiny fly-like insects on my gladiolus plants. They literally drain the stem and the flower. What should I use to get rid of them?
They are thrips. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
Do the corms need any kind of treatment before planting?
Some people like to treat them with fungicide before planting, but this is not required to plant them. They will grow fine without any special treatment.