The organisation says that only two of its 2,500 members are men. A further 35 work alongside their childminding wives, but men still only account for 1.5 per cent of the total membership of registered childminders.
NICMA says its profile is also representative of the lack of male childminders as a whole in Northern Ireland.
Director Bridget Nodder said she thinks that men worry about being viewed with suspicion if they set up business in childminding. Some parents, too, have strong reservations about using a male childminder, she added.
'Parents should have no qualms about using male childminders, as all those who are registered are fully checked,' said Ms Nodder. 'After all, no one questions any longer the idea that fathers should play an active role in bringing up their children.
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