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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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With record numbers of coronavirus cases, some providers are driving from store to store and scouring the internet in search of tests they can buy with their own money.
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Here are four takeaways from California’s 2022 budget proposal for young children, their families and the people who care for them.
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Licensed California child care providers can receive $3,500 to $6,500 stipends, but only after registering online.
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With a frantic flourish, the preparation for the 2022 Rose Parade comes to a close on New Year’s Eve Day.
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There are wide disparities between the least and most immunized parts of Los Angeles County. Race, income, geography and information— or the lack thereof— all play a role.
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The City of Los Angeles will soon distribute $3 million to family child care providers who have continued to operate during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Congress more than tripled the WIC produce benefit but the expansion was set to expire at the end of 2021.
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For the first time in more than a decade, families had more money to buy produce through WIC. And they made good use of it.
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Community health workers can help parents navigate questions about food, sleep, behavior and mental health. A new Medi-Cal benefit could help make these pilot programs permanent.
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The district’s mobile vaccination teams will provide the vaccine to 5-11 year old children starting Nov. 8 with school-based clinics to follow later in the month.
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Students at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts have been putting blood, sweat and tears into reviving a chilling Halloween event — emphasis on blood.
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Families can’t pay more for child care. Advocates say until the local, state and federal government intervene early education will remain one fo the lowest paid professions in the country.
