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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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Dyslexic students often fall through the cracks and miss the chance to get help when it would make the biggest difference.
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Rafael López, the artist who created the designs, was born and raised in Mexico City and now splits his time between San Diego and San Miguel de Allende.
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New research affirms that not only are vaccines safe during pregnancy, they protect newborns from COVID-19.
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First 5 LA is responsible for doling out tens of millions of dollars every year from California’s tobacco tax for early childhood programs.
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Starting Tuesday, parents of kids under 5 years old can finally get them vaccinated against the coronavirus.
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We convened a panel of SoCal experts to answer your questions about pregnancy, childbirth and what comes after.
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It’ll be some time before we have a complete picture of everyone who voted in the election, but early returns were low and experts say longstanding disparities in age, race, and income persist.
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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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Despite California's Record Budget Surplus, No Easy Solutions For Longstanding Child Care ChallengesAdvocates say California isn’t investing enough into the long-underfunded child care and early education system.
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Finding child care in Southern California can be time-consuming, confusing, and “cripplingly expensive.” We’re here to help.
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Hundreds who paid for an unnecessary fire permit have yet to receive a refund. Tha bill arrived when many providers, largely Black and Brown women operating on thin margins, were struggling to survive the pandemic.
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You're pregnant, and we are here to help, journalistically speaking.
