The article highlights how Montessori environments support confidence, responsibility, and self-directed learning through everyday activities and guided choice.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does true independence look like in early childhood, and how can schools nurture it without pressure? That question is explored in a HelloNation article featuring Montessori Education Expert Madelynn Van Den Heuvel of Santa Cruz, California. In the article, Van Den Heuvel shares how Montessori education promotes independent development in children by starting with the environment and approach, not just the curriculum.

The HelloNation piece emphasizes that Montessori education treats independence not as a milestone to reach, but as a natural part of daily learning. In a Montessori classroom, children are surrounded by tools, furniture, and materials specifically designed for their size and abilities. This intentional design encourages students to complete tasks independently, helping them build trust in their capabilities from an early age.

Van Den Heuvel explains that independent development in children begins with simple but meaningful tasks. In Montessori education, these include everyday actions such as pouring water, sweeping floors, and preparing snacks. These may appear minor to adults, but for children, completing them builds a real sense of accomplishment and responsibility. The result is increased confidence in children as they begin to understand they can contribute meaningfully to their environment.

The HelloNation article also discusses how freedom of choice supports Montessori independence. Rather than following a strict schedule, students select their own activities within a guided framework. This choice strengthens their ability to focus, manage time, and problem-solve. Van Den Heuvel explains how these opportunities foster self-discipline and internal motivation, two key outcomes of children’s independence development.

Montessori teachers play a unique role in this process. Instead of giving direct instruction throughout the day, they observe and guide. This approach helps children learn at their own pace and gives them space to make and learn from mistakes. As highlighted in the article, the goal is not to push children into independence, but to create a Montessori classroom where it can emerge naturally. Over time, this builds lasting confidence in children and reduces their dependence on adult validation.

Social growth is another focus of Montessori independence. The HelloNation piece describes how mixed-age classrooms allow younger children to learn by observing older peers, and older children to take leadership roles. This model fosters cooperation and patience, helping children understand the importance of both self-reliance and community. These benefits of Montessori go beyond academics and influence how children interact at home and in the world.

Many parents, according to Van Den Heuvel, notice that their children become more responsible, more persistent, and more emotionally balanced as they grow in a Montessori environment. These qualities are signs of deep-rooted independence, supported by thoughtful guidance rather than rewards or pressure. The HelloNation article stresses that the benefits of Montessori are not limited to the classroom but shape long-term attitudes toward learning and growth.

Montessori education fosters a quiet confidence in children through hands-on experiences, respectful guidance, and real-world tasks. Van Den Heuvel’s contribution to the HelloNation article offers parents and educators a clear look at how a Montessori classroom encourages students to become capable, self-assured learners ready to take initiative in their lives.

How Montessori Education Expert Madelynn Van Den Heuvel of Santa Cruz, CA, Explains Independence Development in Children for HelloNation features insights from Madelynn Van Den Heuvel, Montessori Education Expert of Santa Cruz, CA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

With more than 90 employees across 13 states, backing from M33 Growth, and a growing roster of multi-unit brands, the restaurant technology company celebrates its new home with a Grand Opening on Thursday, October 15, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rosnet, the restaurant data and operations platform trusted by 84 franchise brands across more than 6,000 locations, is officially out of the cave. For years, the company worked out of an underground business park carved into the limestone bluffs of Parkville, Missouri. Now it has moved into a modern, purpose-built headquarters at 11500 N Ambassador Drive, Suite 400, in Kansas City’s Northland.

The move isn’t just a change of address. It’s what growth looks like when you can see it. Over the past year Rosnet has added clients, expanded its team, strengthened its leadership bench, and secured new investment. The cave served the company well for years, but this next phase of growth called for a workplace built for in-person collaboration.

A bigger team. Rosnet now employs more than 90 people across 13 states, with Kansas City as the hub. The company has also strengthened its leadership team in 2026, led by CEO Derek Slayton, to guide its next phase of expansion.

More operators are on the platform. Rosnet’s reporting, food management, and labor management tools now support 84 franchise brands and more than 6,000 restaurant locations.

Serious investment behind it. Rosnet is backed by M33 Growth, which completed a majority investment in the company earlier this year. We believe that partnership gives Rosnet the fuel to scale faster than at any other point in its history.

Built for being together. The new fourth-floor space was designed around in-person collaboration, supporting Rosnet’s return-to-office program that launched in September. It features a training and conference room that seats up to 87 with full AV, huddle rooms outfitted for hybrid meetings, whiteboards in every room, two full kitchens, and an on-site micro market stocked with fresh food and snacks. There is also a game room for friendly competition and a well-earned break between meetings. Coffee is on the house.

Every room has a KC story. Conference rooms are named for Kansas City landmarks and neighborhoods: Boulevard, Union Station, Parkville, Northland, Legends, and Crossroads. The Parkville room is a nod to the company’s longtime home, and the rest are a love letter to the city Rosnet has called home for more than 25 years. Meetings in the Boulevard room may or may not end with a toast.

“We loved the cave, but you can only fit so much growth underground,” said Derek Slayton, CEO of Rosnet. “This space is a reflection of where Rosnet is headed. We’re adding clients, adding talent, and investing in the kind of culture you can only build when people are in the same room solving problems together. Our clients run restaurants where teamwork happens face to face every shift, and we want our team to work the same way. Kansas City has been home for more than 25 years, and this headquarters is our commitment to growing here for a long time to come.”

Come see it for yourself. Rosnet will celebrate a Grand Opening event on Thursday, October 15th at 11500 N Ambassador Drive, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64153. Members of the media are invited to tour the space, meet the team, and grab a seat in the Union Station room. To RSVP, contact Erin Neuburger at eneuburger@rosnet.com.

About Rosnet: Founded in 1998, Rosnet has grown into a respected leader in the restaurant data and operations marketplace. Thousands of locations, including large multi-unit concepts like Applebee’s, Wendy’s, Corner Bakery, STK, and IHOP, utilize the company’s reporting, food management, and labor management systems. Rosnet couples easy-to-use tools with world-class support to help restaurant companies maximize profits without the need to invest in multiple systems. Learn more at www.rosnet.com.

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SOURCE Rosnet

LINCOLN, Neb., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE: NNI) today announced it will release earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Upon release, additional earnings information will be available at www.nelnetinvestors.com.

Learn more about Nelnet at www.nelnet.com.

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SOURCE Nelnet, Inc.