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The Los Angeles Times is seeking a reporter filled with ideas and fascinated with babies and young children — their growth, health and development — to join our award-winning education team as the lead reporter in our early childhood education initiative. The reporter will be dedicated to exploring the very future of California: the well-being and learning of our youngest residents, those from birth to age 5.

It’s well-documented that a child’s earliest years are critically important. This position will allow a reporter to deeply examine how California children, their families, care providers and educators are faring during these key years and what they all need to thrive. Reporting will be especially attentive to the needs of California’s underserved communities. 

This reporter should be intrigued by the science of learning and have empathy for those who are taking on the challenges and joys of raising and educating babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Professional development opportunities will be available to help you learn too. 

We want you to bring your ambition and creativity to the job. The ideal candidate will have knowledge in these areas, a curiosity and passion to explore issues through vibrant storytelling as well as an ability to juggle breaking news with enterprise reporting. The reporter should be adept at on-the-ground reporting, analysis and multiplatform journalism skills. An understanding of national, state and local education policies and trends related to children and families is a must. A minimum of five years of journalism experience is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and execute ambitious stories that explore all facets of early childhood
• Respond aggressively to daily breaking news
• Find unique angles that will advance coverage beyond what other outlets have already reported
• Cultivate sources and contacts to aid in the execution of stories related to children from birth to age 5 and their families
• Write compelling headlines and SEO components with a digital, diverse audience in mind
• Work with fellow members of the education team, contributing early childhood expertise on breaking news and enterprise stories
• Engage with reporters, editors, photographers, video and audience staff to achieve department and organizational goals

Requirements:

• Ability to explore and analyze early childhood development trends, issues and policies focusing on the 0-5 age range through a California lens
• Interest in issues that include the prenatal and pregnancy journey and the ability to report on the 0-3 developmental years, including analysis of studies and trends and the implications for families and children in Los Angeles and California  
• Willingness to delve into the societal infrastructure that supports early childhood development and education, including maternal healthcare, the workforce and political environment
• A creative storyteller eager to experiment with various platforms, including video storytelling
• Ability to tackle a mix of enterprise and longer-term stories, along with breaking and daily news in a deadline-driven environment
• Excellent skills in news writing and reporting, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style 
• Ability to navigate digital platforms and stay on top of current events
• Comfortable and skilled at engaging with readers on digital platforms
• Committed to accuracy and precision
• An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration
• Comfortable appearing on TV, radio and podcasts and presenting at events on behalf of the L.A. Times

Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

The initiative is funded by the Ballmer Group with support from the Los Angeles Partnership for Early Childhood Investment. 

The two-year position will be based in El Segundo, Calif. It is listed as Reporter in the Los Angeles Times Guild, with the complete array of health and other benefits offered to all full-time guild members. Occasional night and weekend work is expected. Reporters must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in good working condition, with suitable auto insurance coverage.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter that includes your ideas and approach to the beat and applicable links to clips and/or multimedia projects to Deputy Metro Editor Stephanie Chavez at the apply link.