Laredo Educational Autism Foundation - LEAF

Happy Friday!!🌦️ There's still some space in our Choose Your Groove Camp and plenty of time to register! This camp is designed for kids with disabilities ages 10-15. It is also great for who any child who just needs a calmer setting with a smaller group of children. Next week: ART!! We will be painting and working with clay!🎨🫟

Camp Info:
🧩Camp times: Mon.- Fri. 8am- 1pm. This abbreviated day keeps it fun and easygoing for the kids.
🎨Every Friday -Family Showoff Day! Parents/family can participate in fun activity- followed by POOL TIME! (Each participant is given a pass to the Haynes pool with parent).
🩷Certified Teachers with a lot of heart and experience accommodating for children with disabilities create the lessons and run the classes.
While we can accommodate for most disabilities- children in this camp must be able to:
*eat independently and use the restroom independently.
📌Registration is at Haynes Rec Center (2102 Clarks Crossing). Today (Friday) until 9pm, Saturday 10am-1pm, and Monday morning 8am.

☀️For more information on accommodations, activities, or anything else- please contact Jennie Sanchez, Adaptive/ Inclusive Recreation Manager at [email protected] or call Haynes Recreation Center at 956-729-4600.

I'll be honest, I did consider cancelling this ribbon cutting ceremony in light of the water boil notice from this past weekend, but I decided to move forward with it because my constituents have been clear: they want us to address our water issues AND continue investing in quality of life projects for this community — plus this project was made possible by a generous $500,000 private donation. I believe we can and should do both at the same time, and I believe Laredo deserves both.

On water: we all know our aging infrastructure has been a problem for decades. I moved to Laredo in 2020 and joined the Council in 2023 — this wasn't created on my watch, but solving it is absolutely my responsibility.

We've made progress through our pipe bursting program, which is replacing lines faster and at lower cost. But we need to do more, and we need to do it quicker, which will require a more significant investment than the money we currently have available. We owe the public a direct conversation about how we are going to do this, and I am committed to having that conversation. This issue is personal to me just as it is for everyone. Water is life. My wife and daughters drink this water every day. I want the best for them and for every family in Laredo.

I hear you, and please know water is my top priority for this community. It's a serious challenge, but one we can solve together if we can get on the same page about what it will take to solve it.

With all that said, I want to invite you and your family to join us tomorrow, Friday May 29th at 1:00 PM at North Central Park to celebrate the new Salamander Play Zone, a play space where every kid can play their way. Since today is the last day of school for most kids, I hope to see you and the kiddos there tomorrow.

CYSHCN Program at Laredo Public Health Department to Offer Sensory Integration and Zumbini Classes for Children and Families This Summer.

Laredo, Texas – The Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN) Program at the Laredo Public Health Department is excited to announce new summer programming designed to support the development, well-being, and engagement of children and families enrolled in the program, as well as those newly interested in services.

This summer, CYSHCN will offer Sensory Integration Classes held in the department’s sensory rooms. These structured sessions are designed to help children better understand and respond to sensory input in their environment. Sensory-based activities can support improved self-regulation, focus, emotional control, and daily functioning skills. By engaging in a safe, supportive space, children are able to explore sensory experiences that may reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and strengthen their ability to participate in home, school, and community activities.

Parents and caregivers will be encouraged to actively participate in these sessions. Family involvement allows caregivers to better understand their child’s sensory needs and learn strategies they can continue using at home, promoting consistency and long-term progress.

In addition, the program will offer Zumbini Classes, a music-and-movement program designed for young children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Zumbini combines music, dance, and interactive play to support emotional development, early learning, motor skills, and social engagement. These classes help children build coordination, rhythm, communication, and confidence while strengthening the parent-child bond through shared activities.

Together, these programs aim to support whole-child development by addressing emotional, behavioral, sensory, and physical growth in a fun and engaging environment. CYSHCN continues to prioritize family-centered care by providing opportunities that empower caregivers and promote healthy development for children with special healthcare needs.
For more information or to enroll in the CYSHCN program please contact: Carmen Andrade, Health Educator Supervisor 956-795-4926.

Join the team at ECi Project Niños for a meaningful learning session focused on autism awareness, understanding, and support.

Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about how you can build inclusive communities and better support children and families affected by autism.

🧩💙❤️💛💚💙🩷💚❤️💛💙🩷💚🧩

Únase al equipo de ECi Project Niños para participar en una enriquecedora sesión de aprendizaje centrada en la concienciación, la comprensión y el apoyo al autismo.

Todo niño merece ser visto, escuchado y empoderado para prosperar. Aproveche esta oportunidad para aprender más sobre cómo puede construir comunidades inclusivas y brindar un mejor apoyo a los niños y las familias afectados por el autismo.

💙🚗 ¡ÚNETE A NOSOTROS EN LA CARAVANA X EL AUTISMO! 🚗💙

La fecha está cada vez más cerca y queremos que seas parte de este movimiento lleno de esperanza, empatía e inclusión. Juntos podemos hacer visible el autismo y demostrar que la unión hace la fuerza. 💫

👉 ¿Cómo puedes ser parte de esta causa?
-Regístrate como participante de la caravana
-Decora tu vehículo con colores y símbolos del autismo
-Únete al recorrido y sé parte de este gran movimiento

📲 ¡Regístrate al 867 129 4355 y forma parte del cambio!

Help keep your child safe by getting them a Child ID card—an important tool that can make a big difference in an emergency.

If long lines or loud environments have made it difficult in the past, don’t worry. The Laredo Public Library is offering a sensory-friendly opportunity at the Joe A. Guerra Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Rd.

This special early access event, “A Gentle Start,” is designed for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, providing a quieter, more comfortable experience.

We’ll be there from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM—come visit us and take advantage of this great opportunity!

Different textures, different patterns, different minds, because in fashion and in life, it’s the differences that make it beautiful. 💙
Thursday wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a celebration of individuality, autism, and being authentically yourself.

Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who showed up to support LEAF (Laredo Educational Autism Foundation) and Fundación Mundo Azul. Because of you, we continue creating spaces where individuals with autism are seen, valued, and where everyone truly belongs. 🧩

The City of Laredo Public Health Department invites you to participate in their Autism Needs Survey 2026.

By sharing your experiences, challenges, and needs, you will help them improve services and build a more supportive community for children, adults and families affected by autism.

The Link is in Spanish as well. All ages!

Laredo Autism Needs Survey 2026 Language OptionsThis survey is available in English and Spanish.You may change the language at any time using the options in the top-right corner of your screen.