A day care center in Minneapolis has come under intense scrutiny following a viral video alleging fraud within the child care system. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, became the subject of controversy after conservative content creator Nick Shirley highlighted the facility, notably pointing out a misspelled sign reading “Quality Learing Center.” Released on December 26, 2023, Shirley’s 42-minute video drew attention to what he describes as widespread fraud in the Somali community’s day care services.
In the wake of the video’s release, increased immigration enforcement actions and frozen federal funds have been reported, alongside heightened criticism from political figures, including President Donald Trump. Shirley claimed that the Quality Learning Center is emblematic of a system that has failed to prevent fraud in Minnesota’s day care sector.
A representative of the Quality Learning Center, who identified himself as Ibrahim Ali, denied any allegations of fraud, stating, “There is no fraud going on whatsoever.” Despite these assertions, the issues surrounding the center have prompted investigations from federal law enforcement, which has been probing potential fraud cases in Minnesota for several years. Assistant US Attorney Melinda Williams confirmed that 98 individuals have been charged in ongoing fraud cases but noted that no charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center.
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), through which the center receives funding, has faced scrutiny. According to figures provided to CNN by the state House Republican Caucus, the Quality Learning Center is projected to receive $1.9 million from CCAP in 2025, accumulating nearly $10 million since 2019. Concerns regarding the center’s operations were raised months prior, with GOP leadership citing issues of apparent vacancies during a hearing in February.
CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers; instead, parents and caregivers apply for assistance, which is then paid to the centers. A recent budget forecast by the agency overseeing CCAP projected a total cost of $56 million for the 2025 fiscal year, supplemented by an expected $101 million from federal sources.
Quality Learning Center’s licensing record indicates ongoing challenges. The most recent inspection, conducted on June 23, 2023, revealed multiple violations, including staffing issues and inadequate record-keeping. Despite these findings, Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, stated that investigations into several centers linked to Shirley’s video have not uncovered fraud.
The center has faced 121 violations from May 2022 to June 2025, with ten cited in the latest inspection. These violations included having unqualified substitutes and failures in documentation for children’s medications. While the center has been on conditional status since June 2022 due to serious violations affecting child safety, it has not been suspended.
On Tuesday, activity outside Quality Learning Center intensified as media and supporters gathered, indicating ongoing interest in the situation. Despite the contention surrounding the center, Ali stated that the facility serves between 50 to 80 children daily, with a maximum capacity of 99. However, determining accurate enrollment figures has proven difficult, as state records remain unclear.
In a conflicting statement, Brown indicated that the center had closed, a claim contradicted by reports of children being escorted into the facility later that same day. This discrepancy has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories online. The state licensing database shows that Quality Learning Center’s license is valid through the end of 2026.
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the future of the Quality Learning Center and the broader implications for child care services in Minnesota. Ali mentioned that the misspelling on the sign was an error by the graphic designer and noted that efforts to rectify the issue were already underway.
The complexities surrounding this case reflect wider concerns about accountability and regulation within the child care system, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding children’s welfare.
