I use FDC 3 days a week and a child care centre 2 days a week (I only use the centre because our FDC provider only works 4 days a week and she currently doesn't have any spaces on Wednesdays until the start of next year).

I much prefer FDC to a child care centre. In my experience, FDC is a much more friendly and homely atmosphere (coz it's in someone's home). My DD who is 5 months and has been in both forms of care for just over a month also seems to prefer FDC. There are less children and each child is a different age and they all get lots of attention from other children and from the carer and her family.

My FDC lady has been doing this for 12 years and also has 3 grown children. I really value her knowledge, experience and advice. I get a detailed written report of what has happened during the day including exactly how much she drank and what time and how long it took her to finish a bottle.

In most cases, FDC is a much cheaper and more individualised option. I think the level of care is second to none. I am confident that my DD is getting a similar level of care and attention at FDC to what she would at home.

For 6 days a fortnight I pay about $10.80 (after CCB rebate) at FDC and for 4 days a fortnight I pay about $75 (after CCB rebate) at the childcare centre.