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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 .
Stories by Mariana Dale
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There’s been a lot of talk about a $4.9 billion budget reserve. We break down where the money comes from and how the district could spend it.
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District support staff have a lot on the line, with many hoping for a reprieve from needing multiple jobs.
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From diaper changing to arithmetic, special education assistants help students navigate the school day. Families say their support is irreplaceable.
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Parents picked up food and homework while union rank-and-file pounded the pavement.
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Service Employees International Local 99, the union representing 30,000 bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and other support staff across LAUSD, has started a three-day strike.
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More than 400,000 students in the nation's second largest school district are back to learning at home as support staff, bus drivers, and teachers strike this week.
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Tips for receiving respectful, high-quality care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
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April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
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Stephanie Moran Reed had to say goodbye in January to the bookstore she founded with her husband. The MiJa Books owner opens up on customer experiences, mom guilt, and a favorite book recommendation.
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Madeline wrote to the county in mid-November asking for approval to have a unicorn in her backyard. Now the hunt begins.
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While there are substitutes for amoxicillin, one pediatrician says without over-the-counter drugs it’s hard to find relief for coughing, feverish kids.
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One L.A. County child care provider is turning decades of experience into videos that resonate with caregivers across the country.
