Evanston, Illinois-based parental education provider Adoption Learning Partners (ALP) was built on a foundation of support, partnership and positive outcomes for parents, children and professionals. For nearly 25 years, ALP has been the trusted partner to prospective adoptive parents as they prepared to parent through adoption; to adoptive families as they gained new skills at each stage of their child’s development; and to professionals building out their toolbox to counsel clients and meet ongoing licensing requirements.
As it continued to build up its adoption-focused educational offerings, the organization saw a unique opportunity to broaden its impact — recognizing that the need for support, guidance and connection extends far beyond adoption. By bringing the same high-quality, expert-led education it had been providing for adoptive families to all parents, caregivers and child well-being professionals, ALP can help ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.
It is with that expansion of mission that Adoption Learning Partners announces a new name and brand: StageWise Parenting. Officially launched on Sept. 15, alongside a redesigned website and upgraded learning platform, this new name reflects the decades of expertise in adoptive parenting education and stage-by-stage guidance, coupled with a commitment to serve a broader community of parents, caregivers and professionals. The rebrand also highlights the need for accessible, high-quality education that empowers all families and child well-being professionals.
StageWise Parenting offers the same trusted, research-based classes and webinars for anyone caring for or working with children — whether they are touched by adoption or not. The upgraded online learning platform is designed to meet learners where they are, with self-directed classes and on-demand webinars that cover every stage of child development. Learners will find practical, evidence-informed strategies that support emotional, behavioral and relational growth in children. From everyday parenting challenges to complex developmental needs, StageWise Parenting’s content helps adults create environments where children feel safe, understood and supported.
“We remain deeply committed to our origins and supporting adoptive families will continue to be a cornerstone of our work,” said Jorina Fontelera, Vice President of Marketing, Education and Community Engagement. “What’s new is that our experts will now cover a broader range of parenting topics and our learning community will include everyone who cares for or works with children. It is our belief that all children benefit when the adults around them have the tools and confidence to help them flourish.”
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About StageWise Parenting:
StageWise Parenting is the education platform of The Cradle, a nonprofit, licensed child welfare agency providing infant adoption services, counseling and educational support. For nearly 25 years, StageWise Parenting operated as Adoption Learning Partners, a trusted resource for adoptive families, adoption agencies and other adoption professionals. Today, our expert-led, research-based training helps adoptive and non-adoptive parents navigate each developmental stage with confidence and gives professionals working with children and families the tools to better support those they serve. Learn more at stagewiseparenting.org.
About The Cradle:
The Cradle has facilitated more than 16,000 domestic and international adoptions since its opening in 1923. The organization has been a pioneer in open adoption, African American infant adoption and placements with LGBTQ+ families. Learn more at cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. For 24-hour, toll-free assistance, call The Cradle Helpline at 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534).
