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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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Vas a tener un bebé y queremos ayudarte, desde el punto de vista periodístico, claro.
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You asked us for tips on how to feel confident and prepared to raise concerns, ask questions— and more importantly, get answers — about your care during pregnancy and childbirth. We got the experts.
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Residents of Angelino Heights say that "The Fast and The Furious" movies contribute to a dangerous car culture.
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When school starts in 2025, every 4-year-old in the state will have a spot in a free transitional kindergarten program at their local public school.
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You're pregnant, and we are here to help, journalistically speaking.
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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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Tummy time for babies can strengthen muscles and help them learn to crawl. Here are some tips to make that more pleasant for everyone.
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Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposed state spending plan Friday. The Governor is continuing his push to improve early childhood education and wants to establish a new Department of Early Childhood Development.
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Finding affordable child care is often a struggle, but parents aren’t the only ones dealing with the financial burden. KPCC’s Mariana Dale talked to childcare providers about the strategies they use -- including dipping into their personal finances -- to make ends meet.
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A co-working space on Crenshaw Blvd. in Leimert Park hosted a watch party for the Dec. 19, 2019 Democratic presidential debate.
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Search-and-rescue teams from around the state tried to find a hiker who went missing near Mt. Baldy on Dec. 8. The search was suspended after a volunteer died.
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The report looked at the financials of 26 LA non-profit childcare centers. Half had less than one month of operating cash on hand.
