> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dcyf.gitbook.io/cmshandbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dcyf.gitbook.io/cmshandbook/program-quality-assessment/program-improvement-plan-pip.md).

# Program Improvement Plan (PIP)

Programs participating in DCYF’s Program Quality Intervention process develop a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) using their assessment results. Programs complete a PIP during each PQA cycle to describe goals and action steps that address areas for improvement identified during assessments, with the goal of increasing overall program quality. PIPs are completed and submitted in the PQA module.

### How to Submit a Program Improvement Plan (PIP)

**What You’ll Need**

•	Agency or Program Staff User Account
\
•	Participation in Planning with Data Session and/or consultation with your DCYF Program Specialist

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**Log into CMS at <https://contracts.dcyf.org>.**

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**Select a program and click on the PQA link in the left-hand menu.**

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**Refer to the PIP section within the PQA module and click ADD PIP+.**

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**Enter your name (the person completing the PIP form) and the date.**

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**Describe at minimum 2 program goals and supporting details.**

Programs must describe at minimum 2 Program Goals to successfully submit a PIP. Each PIP may include up to 5 Program Goals.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/Bwwj0eYHDorepssF76Qo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* Each program goal must describe how progress towards the goal will be measured, how progress checks will be implemented, individual(s) responsible for goal implementation, and specific Action Steps required to fulfill the goal.&#x20;
* Each goal must contain at minimum one Action Step. Click on Add Another Action Step+ to describe additional Steps.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/ARJgt1zt4HQXsT5iCcSq" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
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**Save the PIP form and review your responses prior to submitting. Once submitted, the PIP form locks for edits.**
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**Submit the PIP form in CMS.**&#x20;

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Upon submission, both the assigned DCYF Program Specialist and Program Primary Contact (as listed in the Workplan Contact & Program Info form) will receive a CMS-generated email.
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Save your work often! Click on the Save icons to ensure you don’t lose progress. CMS will time out after 90 minutes of inactivity. Any progress that has not been saved will be lost when you are logged out of the system.
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