The Program Improvement Plan (PIP) is a tool that helps programs set and reach clear, measurable goals for improvement. It helps programs plan and track the steps needed to make improvements, including who is responsible, when tasks should be completed, and what resources are available. The PIP gives each program a guide for ongoing quality improvement. By collecting and reviewing data from internal and external ratings, programs can find areas for growth and take steps to provide high-quality services.
Required Categories
When developing your Program Improvement Plan, include goals that address:
- Self–Assessments – The Maryland EXCELS Self-Assessment and/or the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) are assessment tools that help programs evaluate the learning environment and the interactions children experience each day.
- School Readiness – School readiness goals and objectives help children build skills in personal and social development, language and literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and physical development and health. These skills help children succeed in kindergarten and later grades. To help create your program’s kindergarten readiness goals for the coming year, review the Kindergarten School Readiness data for your county. (School Readiness results are not required for School-age Only programs.)
- Accreditation Standards – (ACR 3.4, ACR 3.5, and AVR 3.5 only) Are you accredited or in the process of becoming accredited by MSDE or an MSDE-recognized organization? Meeting accreditation standards is another sign of commitment to continuous quality improvement that benefits children, families, and staff. Visit Recognized Accrediting Organizations for additional information.
Optional Categories:
Maryland EXCELS Standards – Choose areas within the Standards [Licensing and Compliance (LIC), Staff Qualifications and Professional Development (STF), Accreditation and Rating Scales (ACR), Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice (DAP), Administrative Policies and Practices (ADM)] on which your program wants to focus.- Additional Achievements – Maryland EXCELS recognizes child care and early education programs that provide services over and above those outlined in the Standards. These include Accredited Programs, Asthma & Allergy Friendly Child Care, Health and Wellness, Quality Business Practices, Cultural and Linguistic Competency, and Eco-Friendly Program Achievement. For more information, visit Maryland EXCELS Additional Achievements.
- Other Program Priorities – Maryland EXCELS encourages programs to make the PIP specific to their needs by including other issues that are important to the program. Plan for physical improvements to your center or home, special events, or specialized professional development opportunities. Ask for input from staff, families, and board members. Be creative and dream big! A Program Improvement Plan template and guidance are available as a resource on the Maryland EXCELS Program Improvement Plan (PIP) page.
Maryland EXCELS Standards – Choose areas within the Standards [Licensing and Compliance (LIC), Staff Qualifications and Professional Development (STF), Accreditation and Rating Scales (ACR), Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice (DAP), Administrative Policies and Practices (ADM)] on which your program wants to focus.If you would like more support in creating goals, try this interactive SMART goals tool for child care programs, School-Age Only programs and Public Prekindergarten.