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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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The official 2021 parade was cancelled but that didn’t stop this small-scale celebration.
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California funneled most of the money from the first coronavirus stimulus bill into subsidies for providers, vouchers for child care and waiving fees for low-income families.
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More than 2,000 home child care providers across the state have permanently closed since the start of the pandemic.
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It took two decades for the union to organize -- and now it has to save its members from the ravages of the pandemic.
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Only a small fraction of daycares have had outbreaks, but even one confirmed case can close a classroom or family child care home for weeks.
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Even a single case carries personal and financial risk for providers who are struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.
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"This is to us, in some ways, a journey to a place of starting," one of the lead authors of the plan says.
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It'll cost the state an additional $2 billion to $12 billion to overhaul California's early childhood system and there aren't many details on where that money will come from.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ambitions to expand and improve California for young children and their families are outlined and explained in the new Master Plan for Early Learning and Care.
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Why this school district in the San Gabriel Valley is turning to snail mail to supplement its online learning.
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What does it take to ship 912 miniature elephants in the mail? Determined teachers and a little creativity.
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The state is spending $5 million to reshape child care and early childhood education in California. If you have ideas, the time is running out to share them.
