Working with minors

We require fingerprinting and background checks as you will be working in schools, in direct contact with minors. Background checks are standard in such settings in an attempt to ensure appropriate fit. 

To complete a background check

  1. Download the student fingerprinting document and review instructions.
  2. Create your lifetime account with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), also known as Colorado Online Licensing, or "COOL". Submit your fingerprints to the CDE according to the instructions linked to above as a Field Experience Educator. A background check will be processed for field placement and FLC will be updated should a student's circumstances change.
  3. Check with the Teacher Education Administrative Assistant in EBH 249.

Cost & locations

There are two locations in Durango for fingerprinting:

  • $54.50 American Bioidentity (Two locations: JTI Drug & Alcohol Solutions, 862 Main Ave., Suite 212 in Durango OR the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. JTI does have more appointments available, generally.). 
  • $54.50 IdentoGO (No locations in Durango currently). IdentoGO has locations in Colorado outside of Durango and national locations if you are having your fingerprints scanned in a state other than Colorado.

If it is a hardship to pay this, contact:

William A. Camp
Coordinator of Field Experiences
Camp_w@fortlewis.edu
970-247-7281
Education & Business Hall, RM 242

This is a safety issue that we take very seriously. If you have been or are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you must immediately cease going to any field placement, and contact the Teacher Education Department as soon as possible, within seven days after being charged.

Courses requiring background checks

You are required to submit background checks prior to beginning the courses below. If you have not passed your background checks by the end of the second week of the semester, you will be dropped from the course:

  • ED 342 – Foundations of Teaching SBFE
  • MA 318 - Math for Elementary Teachers II
  • MU 314 – Methods & Principles of Teaching Vocal Music
  • MU 315 – Methods & Principles of Teaching Instrumental Music
  • MU 316 – Music in the Elementary School
  • Any other 400 level education course
  • Graduate-level licensure coursework