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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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Kindred Space LA is part of an effort to reverse decades of health disparities for women of color at their new community funded birthing center.
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Parents, caregivers and teachers of young children can call 213-443-0165 to get help navigating virtual learning, tantrums, anxiety and whatever else is on their mind.
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One proposal: tap cannabis tax revenue to fund child-care vouchers for low-income families.
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Confusion, unrest, fear, uncertainty … It’s a lot, so we reached out to an L.A.-based therapist for tips on how to make sense of a senseless event.
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Confusion, unrest, fear, uncertainty... It's a lot, so we reached out to LA-based therapist for tips on how to make sense of a senseless event.
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For local businesses, the projected losses from the Rose Bowl game relocation and Rose Parade’s cancellation caps off nine-months of coronavirus-pandemic induced hardship.
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The annual New Year's Day parade and football game brought in an estimated $200 million to local businesses.
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The official 2021 parade was cancelled but that didn’t stop this small-scale celebration.
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California funneled most of the money from the first coronavirus stimulus bill into subsidies for providers, vouchers for child care and waiving fees for low-income families.
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More than 2,000 home child care providers across the state have permanently closed since the start of the pandemic.
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It took two decades for the union to organize -- and now it has to save its members from the ravages of the pandemic.
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Only a small fraction of daycares have had outbreaks, but even one confirmed case can close a classroom or family child care home for weeks.
