The Quality Learning Center, a day care facility in Minneapolis, is at the center of controversy following a viral video that alleges fraud within the state’s child care system. This criticism has intensified scrutiny on the facility and its operations, prompting government officials to respond to growing concerns.
The video, created by conservative content creator Nick Shirley, highlights what he claims are fraudulent practices in Minneapolis’ Somali community day care centers. His 42-minute footage, posted on December 26, 2022, quickly gained traction, drawing attention to the Quality Learning Center, notably for a misspelled sign that read “Quality Learing Center.” Shirley emphasized this gaffe as indicative of larger issues within the system.
As a result of the video, there has been an increase in immigration enforcement, frozen federal funds, and heightened rhetoric against the Somali community from political figures, including President Donald Trump. While Shirley’s allegations focus on this specific center, he indicated that the broader system is flawed, claiming, “These are not real businesses.”
In response to these allegations, the manager of Quality Learning Center, Ibrahim Ali, stated that there is “no fraud going on whatsoever.” He defended the center’s operations against Shirley’s claims during an interview with local news station KARE.
Federal law enforcement has been investigating possible fraud in Minnesota’s day care system for several years. According to Melinda Williams, Assistant U.S. Attorney, “98 individuals have been charged in our ongoing fraud against the government cases.” However, no fraud charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center itself.
Funding and Compliance Challenges
Quality Learning Center has received significant funding through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), set to receive approximately $1.9 million for the fiscal year 2025. Since 2019, the center has accumulated nearly $10 million from CCAP. State records reveal that the facility has faced scrutiny regarding compliance with state standards, although these inquiries have not resulted in fraud allegations.
The Minnesota House Republican Caucus has voiced concerns about various day care centers, including Quality Learning Center, for months. State House Speaker Lisa Demuth noted that discussions regarding these centers took place in a hearing as early as February 2025.
The CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers. Instead, eligible parents apply for assistance, which is then allocated to the center. A budget forecast from the agency managing CCAP indicates that the program is set to cost the state $56 million in fiscal year 2025, with an additional $101 million expected from federal sources.
Quality Learning Center’s latest inspection occurred on June 23, 2025, which is part of a series of unannounced visits conducted by state officials. According to Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ongoing investigations into various centers, including those mentioned in Shirley’s video, have not uncovered evidence of fraud. The department has committed to conducting further site visits, although the results have not yet been disclosed.
Regulatory History and Current Operations
State records indicate that Quality Learning Center has a history of compliance issues, having been cited for a total of 121 violations between May 2022 and June 2025. Recent inspections revealed ten violations related to licensing requirements. These included instances of overcrowding and inadequate staff training, with some children lacking necessary documentation.
Despite these citations, the center has never had its license suspended. In June 2022, it was placed on conditional status due to the “serious and chronic nature of these violations,” impacting the health and safety of children in care.
Although the facility was reportedly closed at one point, staff members were seen escorting children into Quality Learning Center in the days following Shirley’s video release. Confusion surrounding the center’s operational status has led to speculation and conspiracy theories, particularly as Brown stated that the center had closed just over a week prior.
Ali, the manager, clarified that the timing of Shirley’s video coincided with hours before the center was open for after-school care, which operates from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. He estimated that the center serves between 50 and 80 children daily, although state records indicate it is licensed for a maximum of 99 children.
Quality Learning Center continues to attract media attention, with Shirley returning to the site as part of ongoing investigations. The center’s licensing remains valid through the end of 2026, and Ali assured that the misspelled sign would soon be corrected.
As scrutiny of the day care system intensifies, the Quality Learning Center serves as a focal point in the debate over regulatory practices and allegations of fraud within Minnesota’s child care facilities.
