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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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California leaders will unveil a much-anticipated Master Plan For Early Learning and Care in December. There's still a chance for you to weigh in.
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But finding a spot is still a challenge. The Los Angeles County Office of Education reports that just 28% of the early education classrooms it oversees are open.
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Three reasons: many early education programs are located on shuttered school campuses, staff themselves are struggling to find child care and public health guidelines limit class sizes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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The L.A. County Registrar-Recorder's Office estimated it would need nearly 17,000 people to help run the general election and hired teens to work, under adult supervision, through its high school student program.
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Parents and caregivers can apply for up to 40 hours of free services starting Monday.
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Chances are, if you’re looking to make the next step in your career, you might find something useful here, too.
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California's early childhood workforce is mostly women of color and they are often concentrated in the lowest-paying jobs in the field.
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Wednesday’s forum featured candidates for Board of Supervisors District 2 and LAUSD District 7.
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Candidates seeking to represent the Board of Supervisors District 2 and the Board of Education's District 7 met Wednesday in a forum focused on early childhood.
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Your kids can play on the monkey bars, slides and swings again with new coronavirus safety guidelines.
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A little laughter -- and a cameo from a toddler t-rex -- to brighten your day.
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Playgrounds around the state got the go-ahead to reopen, but not everyone can swing from the monkey bars just yet.
