A video posted by conservative content creator Nick Shirley has drawn significant attention to the Quality Learning Center, a day care facility in Minneapolis, after it featured a sign with a misspelling. The video, which went viral shortly after its release on December 26, 2022, has prompted heightened scrutiny around alleged fraud within the child care system, particularly affecting the city’s Somali community.
Shirley’s 42-minute video highlighted the sign that read “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” which he claimed indicated potential fraud within the establishment. He remarked, “They spelled ‘learning’ wrong,” using this observation to underscore broader concerns about the validity of day care services funded by the state. The ensuing controversy has led to increased immigration enforcement and a freeze on federal funds, along with escalated criticism from President Donald Trump directed at the Somali community.
In response to the video, a man identifying himself as the center’s manager, Ibrahim Ali, firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “There’s no fraud going on whatsoever.” As investigations continue, federal law enforcement officials have been probing fraud within Minnesota’s day care system for several years, resulting in charges against 98 individuals, according to Assistant US Attorney Melinda Williams. Notably, no fraud charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center.
The child care center is reported to have received nearly $10 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) since 2019, with expectations to receive an additional $1.9 million for the fiscal year 2025. Funding figures were shared by the state House Republican Caucus, which indicated that concerns regarding day care centers, including Quality Learning Center, were raised months prior to the video’s release.
Ongoing Investigations and Past Violations
The Quality Learning Center has faced scrutiny over its compliance with state regulations. Records indicate that the center has been cited for a total of 121 violations from May 2022 to June 2025, with the most recent inspection occurring on June 23, 2025. Violations included having an unqualified substitute teacher and failing to maintain proper documentation for children’s medications. While these issues raised concerns about the center’s operations, none of them suggested outright fraud.
According to Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, investigations into several day care centers have not uncovered evidence of fraud. However, she acknowledged ongoing evaluations, stating that new site visits are currently being conducted.
In a prior inspection in May 2022, inspectors highlighted serious and chronic violations, including overcrowding and lack of qualified staff. The center was placed on conditional status for two years due to these findings, although it was never suspended. The department’s records also show that Quality Learning Center has been fined for allowing background checks on employees to expire.
Despite the allegations surrounding its operations, Quality Learning Center remains licensed to care for a maximum of 99 children. On average, Ali reported that the facility serves between 50 to 80 children daily. However, exact enrollment figures have not been confirmed by the state Department of Human Services.
Conflicting Claims and Current Status
On Tuesday, a significant amount of activity was observed at the Quality Learning Center, with children being escorted in and out of the facility, contradicting earlier claims made by state officials that the center had closed. Governor Tim Walz’s office echoed these assertions, only to be met with evidence of children arriving that same afternoon.
Shirley, who returned to the scene, dismissed the notion that the presence of children invalidated his video’s claims. He stated, “They’re showing face right now,” suggesting that the operation of the center was merely an attempt to counter public perception.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain regarding the future of the Quality Learning Center and its compliance with state regulations. The center’s license has been renewed through the end of 2026, and efforts are underway to correct the misspelled sign.
The unfolding events highlight broader concerns about the integrity of child care services and the implications for the communities affected. As investigations progress, key stakeholders are emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the sector.
