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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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Join our early childhood education reporter Mariana Dale and parenting expert Reena B. Patel for a conversation about caring for young children during the pandemic.
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LA's mayor says "the goal is “to ensure that no essential worker misses a shift, because he or she doesn't have child care during this crisis.”
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Priority will be given to children of domestic violence victims and families of essential workers who don't exceed the current income eligibility for subsidized child care.
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California Department of Social Services updates its guidelines for child care providers.
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Everyone should wear a face mask to fight the coronavirus spread -- except kids under 2. They might suffocate.
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New federal and local health recommendations to cover your face before going outside don't apply to young children.
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Teachers and parents are trying to bridge the gap between home and school for L.A.'s littlest learners.
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Six L.A. County health clinics have received 150,000 diapers and 3,500 cans of formula for needy families.
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Among the county's advice for child care providers: space out children’s activities and focus on individual activities like coloring and puzzles.
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We look at the decision facing providers in California about whether to stay open.
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In California, the decision to stay open is up to each childcare provider, who must balance the needs of families with the health and safety of workers and children.
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Child care providers around the state are closing as parents whose jobs are deemed non-essential have been told to stay home with their kids.
