A Minneapolis day care center, the Quality Learning Center, has become the center of controversy following allegations of fraud brought to light by conservative content creator Nick Shirley. In a video that went viral on December 26, 2023, Shirley pointed out a misspelled sign at the facility, drawing attention to what he claims is a larger issue of fraud within the day care system serving the city’s Somali community. The video has since prompted increased scrutiny from federal authorities, calls for immigration enforcement, and criticism directed at Governor Tim Walz.
Shirley’s video highlights a sign that reads “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” which he argues exemplifies the absurdity of the situation. He asserts that the center, along with others in the area, is not operating as a legitimate business. “These are not real businesses,” Shirley stated in an interview with CNN. In response, Ibrahim Ali, who identified himself as a manager of the center, denied any wrongdoing, stating that there is “no fraud going on whatsoever.”
Investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s day care system have been ongoing for several years. According to Assistant US Attorney Melinda Williams, 98 individuals have been charged in connection with fraud cases against the government. Notably, no fraud charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center to date. State records indicate that the facility has faced scrutiny regarding its compliance with state standards but have not substantiated claims of fraud.
The Quality Learning Center is set to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for the fiscal year 2025, having already received nearly $10 million since 2019. These figures were provided by the state House Republican Caucus, who have expressed concerns about the funding of day care centers, including the Quality Learning Center.
Ongoing Investigations and Compliance Issues
Quality Learning Center’s licensing record shows a history of compliance issues. From May 2022 to June 2025, the facility has accumulated 121 violations, with the most recent inspection revealing ten violations categorized under a licensing review. These citations include having unqualified staff and inadequate documentation for children’s medications. Despite these issues, no evidence suggests that the center was empty, as implied by Shirley’s video.
In June 2022, the center’s license was placed on conditional status for two years due to the serious nature of these violations. The notice indicated that the violations could impact the health and safety of children in their care.
Despite the severe warnings, Quality Learning Center has not faced license suspension, although it was fined $200 on two occasions for allowing background checks on employees to expire. The facility is licensed to provide care for a maximum of 99 children, and Ali claims they typically serve between 50 and 80 children daily.
Conflicting Information and Community Impact
The situation has been further complicated by inconsistent statements from officials regarding the center’s operational status. During a news conference, Tikki Brown, commissioner of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families, mentioned that the Quality Learning Center closed just over a week ago. Yet, children were observed arriving at the center the same afternoon, leading to speculation and theories circulating online.
Shirley dismissed the presence of children as a mere facade, stating, “They’re showing face right now.” The conflicting reports about the center’s closure have raised questions about the transparency of state communications and the effectiveness of oversight.
As the controversy unfolds, the community remains concerned about the implications for local families relying on day care services. The day care operates under a funding model where eligible parents apply for assistance directly from the state, which then pays the day care centers. The state agency managing CCAP has projected the program will cost $56 million in the 2025 fiscal year, with an additional $101 million expected from federal sources.
While investigations continue, the public eye remains on the Quality Learning Center and its operations. The outcome of these inquiries could have significant consequences for the day care system in Minnesota, particularly for the Somali community that has been disproportionately affected by recent scrutiny.
As for the misspelled sign, Ali explained that it was a graphic design error, and efforts to correct it were reportedly underway by the time of the latest reports. The unfolding events at the Quality Learning Center serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding child care funding, compliance, and community trust.
