The Q-Development Tree

Visualizing the journey from foundational sensory skills to complex abstract thinking.

Tier 1: The Roots (Foundations)

Age: 0–2 Years
Pedagogical Focus: Being (Sensing, Motor Development, Security)
Steiner Principle: “Willing” (Physical activity and imitation)

EYLF Mapping:

  • Outcome 1 (Identity): Children feel safe, secure, and supported.
  • Outcome 3 (Wellbeing): Children take increasing responsibility for physical wellbeing.
Developmental Goal EYLF Recommended Qtoys Products
Sensory Awakening Outcome 3.2 (Sensory-motor integration) Baby Deluxe Range: Dual Discs, Grasping Beads, Rattles.
Object Permanence Outcome 4.1 (Curiosity & Inquiry) Peek-a-Boo Boxes & Posting Boxes.
Gross Motor Stability Outcome 3.2 (Physical Wellbeing) Push & Pull Toys, Wagons.

Tier 2: The Trunk (Connections)

Age: 2–4 Years
Pedagogical Focus: Belonging (Social & Emotional Development, Communication)
Steiner Principle: “Feeling” (Imagination and rhythm)

EYLF Mapping:

  • Outcome 2 (Community): Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
  • Outcome 5 (Communication): Children engage with texts and create meaning.
Developmental Goal EYLF Recommended Qtoys Products
Social & Emotional Play Outcome 1.4 (Empathy & Care) Small World Play, Wooden Animal Families, Emotion Stones.
Language & Narrative Outcome 5.2 (Engaging with texts) Story Sets: Gingerbread Man Play Set, Water Cycle Story, Caterpillar Lacing, Mountain Puzzle Book.
Schema Exploration Outcome 4.2 (Problem Solving) Tree Lacing, Sequencing Sets.

Tier 3: The Crown (Blossoming)

Age: 4–6+ Years
Pedagogical Focus: Becoming (Inquiry, Abstraction, Complex Thinking)
Steiner Principle: “Thinking” (Intellectual awakening & problem solving)

EYLF Mapping:

  • Outcome 4 (Learning): Children are confident and involved learners.
  • Outcome 5 (Communication): Understanding symbols and patterns.
Developmental Goal EYLF Recommended Qtoys Products
Mathematical Inquiry Outcome 5.4 (Symbols & Patterns) Tree Counting Set (70pcs).
Scientific Thinking Outcome 4.2 (Experimentation) Wooden Microscope, Nature Sets.
Complex Construction Outcome 4.3 (Transfer & Adapt) Engineering Blocks, Ball Runs.