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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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Dozens of dead seabirds washed up on Venice beaches in January. Scientists found a combination of starvation and a tiny parasite were to blame.
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Starting March 12, it will be up to L.A. County child care providers to decide whether to continue requiring staff and children 2-and-up to wear masks indoors.
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“There are so many lessons to learn in skating outside of just the technique that you need to be able to bounce on a blade,” said Burbank Skating Director Ben Blandford.
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About one-third of home-based child care providers and center-based teachers use at least one form of public assistance, including Medi-Cal, WIC or SNAP, according to a new research brief.
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What makes a good pre-K program? That's an important question to consider as California expands transitional kindergarten eligibility to all 4-year-olds.
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Lawmakers expanded the State Nonprofit Security Grant Program after a fatal 2019 shooting at a San Diego synagogue and amid rising violence against faith-based communities.
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On Thursday morning, the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors counted at least 35 dead birds believed to be cormorants.
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Chino native Enrique Roman-Martinez was beheaded in May 2020 while camping with seven other soldiers in North Carolina. The Army closed its investigation without linking anyone to the suspected homicide.
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A new program launched by the school aims to assist young kids who’ve struggled during the pandemic.
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The CDC has said if individual housing options are not available, people should be allowed to remain in encampments and that clearing them "increases the potential for infectious disease spread."
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Parents’ stress level is rising with the number of coronavirus cases. Researchers say this strain will outlast the pandemic without systematic changes.
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The L.A. County Department of Public Health issued new safety guidelines for child care providers facing the continued spread of COVID-19.
