This is a tricky one as both ccc's and FDC have pros and cons. I'm on maternity leave but work in a centre however have also worked with 2 different FDCers when I was studying so here is my perspective.
FDC can sometimes be more difficult because carers look after 5 children under 6 usually and they can be in a huge range of stages + they also have children after school (I think it's 3 6-12yrs). Also if a child has special needs the carer may need to spend extra time with them and doesn't have the support from other team members to cope with difficult situations. Due to the rising costs of running a CCC many don't take babies anymore so often FDCers have lots of babies. FDC is probably more personalised but I would also look at things like
*Where is the nappy change area? What are the other children doing while the carer changes nappies, toilets other children or cleans up accidents or goes to the loo herself?
*As mentioned in regards to sleep, will controlled crying be used? The answer is probably at some stage, how can you settle possibly 5 under 1's at the same time.
*What level of accreditation was achieved? Does the person have qualifications?
*Learning through play is great but does the carer follow the children's interests or is it just a free for all? Does she have a program?
Not sure where you are located but there are small centre's which would also offer personalised care and better ratios/qualifications in most instances. It all depends on whether you get a good feeling/first impression from the person/people looking after your child. Chances are if you aren't sure then keep looking until you find somewhere you like. If there wasn't a small centre close with a good reputation by then I would probably use FDC but have lots of visits first to make sure it was right. I have definatly heard less horror stories from FDCers then the big centres but then from being in the industry I know all the good one's in my area. When you have bubs make sure you do lots of asking around at mothers groups, word of mouth is the best indicator of a good service.
HTH