Childcare use and work arrangements in 1998 and 2009 compares the findings of the New Zealand Childcare Survey 2009 with those of the New Zealand Childcare Survey 1998. The past decade has seen major changes in New Zealand childcare policy and the work arrangements used by parents. This report highlights some of these changes.
Key Results
Here are the key findings in the report:
• The most common type of formal childcare used by preschool children changed from kindergartens in 1998 to childcare centres in 2009.
• The median length of time spent per week in formal early childhood education and care increased by seven hours between 1998 and 2009.
• The proportion of one-year-olds attending formal childcare increased notably over the period.
• In 2009, compared with 1998, more
o preschool- and school-aged children attended formal care at no cost to their parents
o school-aged children attended formal out-of-school services and care
o parents were in paid employment, worked in the weekend, or used leave to help with childcare