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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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Lesson No. 1 at a reopened child care center: “No more hugs, no more high fives.”
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Gov. Gavin Newsom says available child care will be key to reopening California, but child care providers are still grappling with new safety guidelines.
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Enter your address on MyChildCare.ca.gov to find providers anywhere in California.
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Governor Gavin Newsom wants to expand child care, but are there enough providers?
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And even if you find child care, there's still the question of how to pay for it.
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While most pediatrict visits are now via telemedicine, it's important to bring the kids in for their vaccinations.
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One visit doctors say parents shouldn't reschedule? Vaccinations.
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Join our early childhood education reporter Mariana Dale and parenting expert Reena B. Patel for a conversation about caring for young children during the pandemic.
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LA's mayor says "the goal is “to ensure that no essential worker misses a shift, because he or she doesn't have child care during this crisis.”
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Priority will be given to children of domestic violence victims and families of essential workers who don't exceed the current income eligibility for subsidized child care.
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California Department of Social Services updates its guidelines for child care providers.
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Everyone should wear a face mask to fight the coronavirus spread -- except kids under 2. They might suffocate.
