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Listen Listen
Mariana Dale
What I cover
I explore and explain the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school. Our K-12 education system has not always provided each child the same opportunities to succeed, but I believe all kids have the capacity to learn and find a meaningful place in the world.
My background
I started at LAist in 2019 as the early childhood reporter where I quickly realized that what we think of as education starts well before a kid steps into a classroom. Health, access to child care and nutritious food are a few of the many factors that shape young people’s lives. My reporting on the disparities in maternal mortality taught me that inequity can lead to deadly outcomes but also that there is a groundswell of community support pushing to change harmful systems.
I grew up in Arizona, where among other things, I reported on education, saguaro cactus and questions from people like you. I’m proud to mentor emerging journalists through Next Gen Radio and various education programs.
My reporting has earned a national Edward R. Murrow award, Hillman Prize and accolades from the L.A. Press Club and the Online News Association.
My goals
I want to help families navigate their child’s education, explore the challenges that prevent schools from creating an environment where all students can learn and highlight solutions.
Best way to reach me
I love to hear questions and ideas for stories about schools and the opportunities in our community for children to learn and grow. You can reach out by email at mdale@laist.com.
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Lawmakers expanded the State Nonprofit Security Grant Program after a fatal 2019 shooting at a San Diego synagogue and amid rising violence against faith-based communities.
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On Thursday morning, the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors counted at least 35 dead birds believed to be cormorants.
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Chino native Enrique Roman-Martinez was beheaded in May 2020 while camping with seven other soldiers in North Carolina. The Army closed its investigation without linking anyone to the suspected homicide.
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A new program launched by the school aims to assist young kids who’ve struggled during the pandemic.
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The CDC has said if individual housing options are not available, people should be allowed to remain in encampments and that clearing them "increases the potential for infectious disease spread."
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Parents’ stress level is rising with the number of coronavirus cases. Researchers say this strain will outlast the pandemic without systematic changes.
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The L.A. County Department of Public Health issued new safety guidelines for child care providers facing the continued spread of COVID-19.
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With record numbers of coronavirus cases, some providers are driving from store to store and scouring the internet in search of tests they can buy with their own money.
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Here are four takeaways from California’s 2022 budget proposal for young children, their families and the people who care for them.
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Licensed California child care providers can receive $3,500 to $6,500 stipends, but only after registering online.
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With a frantic flourish, the preparation for the 2022 Rose Parade comes to a close on New Year’s Eve Day.
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There are wide disparities between the least and most immunized parts of Los Angeles County. Race, income, geography and information— or the lack thereof— all play a role.
