Topeka (WIBW) - Topeka's two major medical facilities have teamed up to help their employees meet the challenge of finding quality child care.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare and St. Francis Health Center jointly operate Building Blocks Child Care. Their workers getting first priority in the available openings, with other slots available to the public.

The center's director, Angela Stous, says the hospitals joined forces to open Building Blocks in 1993. What they strive to offer in the program is what she advises any parent to look for in a child care facility.

Stous says parents should visit a potential facility to make sure it's clean and safe. She also suggests asking if staff have undergone background checks and whether they have experience with children.

In addition, Stous says parents should find out involved the center's director is with the programs and explore in what sorts of programs they have the children participating.

Stous says parents shouldn't be shy about speaking up and stopping in. She says if parents get involved and support their child's care, it's a win-win situation.

It's a win for bosses, too. Stormont employee Jennifer Tinajero says knowing her son is somewhere safe that has a focus on education allows her to better focus on her work. Her husband, Rena, agrees it gives them great peace of mind.

Parents who need assistance finding child care in the Topeka area may contact ERC Resource and Referral at 785-357-5171.