A day care center in Minneapolis has become the center of controversy following a viral video that alleges fraud within the facility. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, has drawn attention for a misspelled sign and claims made by conservative content creator Nick Shirley, which have prompted heightened scrutiny from authorities and the public alike.
Shirley’s 42-minute video, posted on December 26, 2022, highlighted the sign reading “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” and criticized the Minnesota state government, particularly Governor Tim Walz. The video quickly gained traction, leading to an increase in immigration enforcement and freezing of federal funds, alongside a barrage of criticisms directed at the Somali community. Shirley accused the center of being part of a fraudulent network that exploits government assistance programs.
In response to the allegations, a man identifying himself as the manager of Quality Learning Center, Ibrahim Ali, asserted that there was “no fraud going on whatsoever.” He described Shirley’s video as misleading, claiming it was filmed before the center opened for the day. The facility primarily provides after-school care, operating from 14:00 to 22:00.
The Quality Learning Center has been receiving funding from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), with projections of $1.9 million for the year 2025 and nearly $10 million since 2019. According to figures provided by the state House Republican Caucus, these figures were obtained from the state Department of Human Services (DHS). However, the DHS did not respond to requests for confirmation regarding these figures.
In recent months, concerns about potential fraud in Minnesota’s day care centers have escalated. Melinda Williams, Assistant U.S. Attorney, reported that 98 individuals have been charged in ongoing fraud cases targeting the government. Despite the investigations, no specific fraud charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center.
State records indicate that the Quality Learning Center has faced repeated inspections, raising questions about its compliance with state standards. From May 2022 to June 2025, the center received citations for 121 violations, including issues related to staffing and documentation. The most recent inspection on June 23, 2022, resulted in ten violations, but none of these suggested fraud.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families has been conducting ongoing investigations of several day care centers, including Quality Learning Center. Commissioner Tikki Brown stated on Monday that current investigations have not uncovered findings of fraud. The department has indicated that new site visits would be conducted soon, although no results have been released as of yet.
Despite the challenges, Quality Learning Center has remained operational, with fluctuating enrollment figures reported by Ali, who claimed the facility serves between 50 to 80 children on average. The center is licensed to provide care for a maximum of 99 children. However, determining the exact number of children served has proven difficult, as state records have not provided clarity on enrollment.
In a recent statement, Brown suggested that Quality Learning Center had closed about a week prior, a claim contradicted by community observations of children arriving at the facility. This discrepancy has sparked speculation and conspiracy theories among observers.
Public Reactions and Future Implications
The sidewalk outside Quality Learning Center has recently been bustling with activity as media and supporters of Shirley gathered to witness the situation unfold. Shirley, maintaining his stance, dismissed the notion that observed children entering the building disproved his allegations of fraud. He emphasized that the center was simply “showing face” amid the scrutiny.
Quality Learning Center’s licensing status has been contentious. Although it has faced numerous violations, including chronic issues related to overcrowding and inadequate supervision, it has never had its license suspended. The center has twice incurred fines of $200 for allowing background checks on employees to expire.
As the situation develops, the Quality Learning Center continues to navigate the storm of public scrutiny and allegations. The state’s licensing database indicates that its license is valid through the end of 2026, and efforts to correct the misspelled sign are underway.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Quality Learning Center reflects broader concerns about the integrity of child care services and government oversight in Minnesota, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regulations in preventing fraud.
As investigations continue, stakeholders and community members are left awaiting further clarity on the allegations and the center’s operational future.
