In a survey of 1,000 parents, 83 per cent cited registered childminders when asked what types of childcare they could name compared with just 39 per cent in 2006.
Nurseries were identified by 85 per cent of parents, while just over 30 per cent named pre-school playgroups and out-of-school clubs.
While 23 per cent of those surveyed said they used grandparents as childcarers and 20 per cent named other relatives, barely half said they recognised such arrangements as providing childcare.
NCMA chief executive Liz Bayram said this showed that more parents could distinguish between formal and informal childcare.
'This demonstrates that the work NCMA has done in partnership with the Government to raise the profile of registered childminding has been successful.'
Commenting on the report, children's minister Beverley Hughes said, 'It shows our key messages about the value and benefits of good-quality childcare are reaching more parents and families. Access to quality childcare is essential for parents who have to balance their work life and time with their children.'