FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Schools across Indiana are gearing up for expanded full-day kindergarten programs — classes that districts can better afford this year because of more state funding, including Fort Wayne.

The Indiana General Assembly passed a two-year state budget in April that included $75 million more for full-day kindergarten than in previous budgets. The budget will give schools $33.5 million for the 2007-2008 school year and $58.5 million for 2008-2009.

The extra cash is allowing school districts to offer new full-day classes or expand current offerings.

Fort Wayne Community Schools, for example, is expanding its all-day kindergarten to each of its 33 elementary schools, even though the state grants will only cover part of the costs. The rest of the cash will come from the district's general fund. The district has 32,000 students, the second largest in the state.

"We think it's worth the investment," said Dan Bickel, FWCS area administrator for elementary schools. "We're in it for the long haul."

But parents may have questions about sending their young children to a full day of school.

At a meeting this week in Fort Wayne, some parents wondered how children would get by without planned nap times, while others wanted to make sure teachers received training to adapt to all-day classes.

"I'm concerned with the curriculum and how it's going to meet standards," said Clifton Townsend, whose 3-year-old daughter Mahogany will attend full-day kindergarten in the future.

The Indiana Department of Education held training workshops this summer so that experienced full-day kindergarten teachers could share tips with educators new to the system.

"Some parents have been tentative because (full-day kindergarten) is new to them, but they don't realize how long it's been in the district," said Heather Fry, who has taught full-day kindergarten for four years at Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center.