I think my FDC does a bit with the kids. I know she has two other carers in her street and they meet in the park a couple of times a week, and there are also the organised activities from the FDC center, like playdays, and fundraisers and parent nights which we are able to be involved in too, but it is difference from a day care center with the resources. That is another reason they encourage you to use a pre-school when your kids are 3.5 for a few days a week to get them into that more structures environment.

eta - Prama where did you find long day care in Syd for $70 per day... I am amazed.... that is a great price...... I pay nearly that for FDC (8am - 6pm)