Behavior Management Skills That Get You Requested in Pre-K Classrooms
The specific moves that make pre-k teachers and admins request you by name. 5 proven strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and field-tested quick tips.
5
Strategies
3
Quick Tips
Pre-K
Grade Level
Why Behavior Management Matters for Pre-K Substitute Teachers
Behavior Management is the differentiator for substitutes in pre-k settings. You walk in with zero relationships. The subs who get requested repeatedly are the ones who establish calm authority and keep learning on track from the first minute using deliberate, repeatable techniques.
Practical Strategies
Use positive narration to highlight desired behavior: 'I love how Maya is sitting criss-cross'
Redirect rather than punish — offer an alternative activity when a child acts out
Use simple, concrete language: 'walking feet' instead of 'stop running'
Implement a visual behavior chart with smiley faces for the whole group
Give choices to prevent power struggles: 'Do you want the red crayon or the blue crayon?'
Common Challenges in Pre-K
Biting, hitting, or throwing toys during free play
Tantrums triggered by not getting a preferred toy or activity
Children who refuse to participate in group activities or follow directions
Quick Tips
Get down to eye level when speaking to a child about behavior
Use 'When you ___, then you can ___' instead of 'If you don't ___, you can't ___'
Praise the behavior you want to see four times more often than you correct
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, and credentials are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by training providers.
Master Behavior Management and Get Called More as a Pre-K Sub
Practical techniques that turn one-off days into reliable work. All substitute teaching authorization is issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.