URBANA — The National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited Urbana's Washington Early Childhood School.

The school had been accredited through the association for five years, but Principal Crystal Vowels said the school took an eight-month break to review its practices before becoming accredited again.

She said the break stemmed from funding issues, because the school wasn't sure if the state would fund the early-childhood system.

"We weren't sure what our program would look like," Vowels said. "We stepped back to see where we would be before we put all the money, effort and time into reaccrediting."

About 8 percent of all preschools and other early-childhood programs are accredited, according to a press release from the district.

To earn the distinction, the school compared itself with the national association's 10 standards and more than 400 related criteria. Association officials visited the school and may show up for unannounced visits during the next five years, which is how long the accreditation lasts.

Vowels said the process of becoming accredited again was worth it.

"I think it reaffirms to the community, the quality program we are, and I think it reaffirms to our staff, the right thing to do and the best way to serve children," she said.