bring my 2 1/2 year old part time, just two or three times a week for social interaction without me having to be there. She is great with play dates and being with other kids with me around but I'd like to get her into a setting where she is with other kids her age without me around. I really think she needs that social interaction.

 

We don't mind paying for it, but we have no idea where we can bring her other then a day care. My cousin's son is in "pre-pre-school" but they live in Kansas and I do not. Any suggestions?

A lot of daycares are "preschool" for 2's.  The place a I take my child was separated into 3 categories: infant to 2 years, 2 yrs. - PreK, and K - 6.  In the infant - 2 group, they always had aged appropriate educational activities for the kids.

If you don't want a daycare chain, which most have these programs for the 2 yr. age group, I would research local churches, the YMCA or other Non-Profite daycare / schools.  If they are also state accredited facilities that is a bonus because they have to follow the state standards for educational programs.

I send my son to a local Jewish Community Center and the 2 - PreK is considered preschool.  The morning activities include songs, arts/crafts, story, gym play, and so on.  Typically a day will focus on a theme, like yesterday was the color Orange and all arts/crafts were done in orange.

My grandmother's church has a very similar program. 

While these are religous orgranizations, it is not something of primary focus in the activities - there is exposure but not the lessons do not typically follow like Sunday School or something. 

Usually local community papers will list different options.  In AZ we have a few publications focused on raising kids in AZ.

 

I agree with all the suggestions SJ made.  Another one for your list: the next time you visit a babies-r-us store, take a look at their monthly flier.  Many times, they have social interactions scheduled for just these types of situations.  Probably not two or three times a week, but maybe once a week or so.

You can find "Tuesday-Thursday schools". It's usually a preschool class that meets from 9-12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everyone I know who has kids that have gone to Tuesday-Thursday (myself included) have found them run out of a church (not necessarily affiliated with, but run out of).

I hope you find something!