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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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Of the 9,340 ballots returned to Child Care Providers United, 97% favored representation by the union.
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At least 43,000 California child care workers will now be represented by a union in negotiations with the state over better pay and other benefits.
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More than three-quarters of respondents to a UC Berkeley survey said they’re losing money with fewer families enrolled.
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Voting wraps up Wednesday; it will determine whether California’s 43,000 child care providers can unionize.
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California child care providers could be on the verge of getting help in their fight for higher wages. This week, balloting is wrapping up in a month-long vote to unionize child care workers.
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L.A. County’s Head Start programs serve 11,000 kids from low-income families.
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The consensus: Best birthday party ever!
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Families who have children 5 and under and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to file their taxes will now be eligible for two tax credit programs.
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Most current programs are preserved, but a plan for a new state agency to oversee early childhood was shelved.
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Under one estimate, child care could cost the L.A. Unified School District $3 million per day.
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A majority ‘yes’ vote for Child Care Providers United would allow the union to represent the providers in labor negotiations with the state.
