Daycare/PreSchools in Nassau County?

Hi girls...I am not a frequent poster, more of a lurker but I am in need of some advice on reputable childcare and/or PreSchool rec's in the Merrick/Bellmore area. I can even go to Farmingdale or Melville because that is where I work. I am very nervous as this will be the first time my son will not be taken care of by family and that scares me. He has also recently been through a lot because of his dad and his live in girlfriend and I don't want to traumatize him anymore than he already has been.
DS is 3yo and I would prefer to put him in pre school but every place I have looked into so far is VERY expensive.

Any ideas?