The aim of this presentation is to discuss and problematize children’s introduction to the pre-school as social practice with a focus on subjectification in a gender perspective. This introductory process is to be of great importance in the Swedish preschool. This paper is based on a study carried out in one strategically chosen preschool infant group. The study addresses the question of which possible subject positions can be adopted by children during their introduction period to the preschool, their first institutional practice. What possibilities are offered and what limitations imposed as part of the pedagogical practice? The focus is on the interaction between the teachers and the children and between the children and the social practice. One of the analytical tools used is the concept “positioning”. In my observations I observed gendered positions for the child as both in need of care and competent. Key words: Childhood, childhood care, subjectification, gender, positioning, toddlers.