Three studies examined aspects of child care in New Zealand. In the first study, supervisors of 38 child care centers were interviewed about the organization of their centers. Based on the responses, categories were developed to describe the type of center, the persons responsible for management decisions, organization of care by age grouping, and the number of children under 2 years of age attending the center. Six of the centers responding were selected for further examination in the second study. In this study, the interactions of caregivers with 36 infants and toddlers were observed. Behaviors observed most frequently included infant's solitary activity, caregiver's talking to infants, infant's peer interactions, and caregiver's touching. Behaviors observed least frequently included caregiver's expression of negative affect and infant's violation of adult standards. Child-staff ratio was noted, and behaviors were correlated to type of center. The third study was designed to gather information on the needs of children in care. Interviews conducted with parents and supervisors at the six selected centers revealed infants' emotional, social, cognitive, and health needs. Several parental, staff, and community needs were also identified. Implications of the study for staff management and training, curriculum, government support, and further research are discussed. Eight references are cited. (BC)