A day care center in Minneapolis has become a focal point of scrutiny following a viral video that alleges fraud within the state’s childcare assistance program. The Quality Learning Center, known for a misspelled sign reading “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” was highlighted in a video by conservative content creator Nick Shirley. The video, posted on December 26, 2023, quickly gained traction and has prompted heightened immigration enforcement along with political rhetoric targeting the Somali community.
Shirley’s video criticizes the Minnesota government, claiming that facilities like the Quality Learning Center are not genuine businesses. He stated, “These are not real businesses,” during an interview with CNN. Despite the allegations, a man who identified himself as a manager of the center, Ibrahim Ali, asserted that “no fraud [is] going on whatsoever.”
The video’s impact has been significant. According to Melinda Williams, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, federal authorities have charged 98 individuals in ongoing fraud cases related to childcare funding in Minnesota. However, no fraud charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center itself. The center has faced questions about its compliance with state standards, but officials have not suggested that these issues constitute fraud.
According to figures from the state House Republican Caucus, the Quality Learning Center is set to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for the year 2025. Since 2019, it has reportedly received nearly $10 million from the program. The caucus claims these funding figures were obtained from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, although the department did not respond to CNN’s request for confirmation.
Concerns regarding the center were raised months before the viral video. State House Speaker Lisa Demuth noted that issues with several day care centers, including the Quality Learning Center, were discussed in a hearing as early as February 2023. Notably, CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers; instead, it pays qualified caregivers who apply for assistance.
The most recent inspection of the Quality Learning Center occurred on June 23, 2023. According to Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ongoing investigations of centers mentioned in Shirley’s video have not uncovered any findings of fraud. New site visits were reportedly planned, although the department has not confirmed whether these visits have taken place.
Ali, who claimed to be both the manager and son of the center’s owners, defended the facility’s operations in an interview with local news outlet KARE. He explained that Shirley’s footage was taken before the center opened for the day and insisted that it serves between 50 to 80 children daily, despite being licensed for a maximum of 99 children.
The Quality Learning Center has faced a history of violations. State records indicate the facility was cited for 121 violations from May 2022 to June 2025. The most recent inspection identified 10 violations, including having an unqualified substitute and inadequate documentation for children’s medications. Although the center has been under scrutiny, it has not faced suspension of its license, which remains valid through the end of 2026.
In a twist to the unfolding situation, Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, stated during a news conference that the Quality Learning Center had closed just over a week prior to the event. However, observers reported seeing children arriving at the center on the same afternoon, leading to speculation and confusion. A spokesperson for the department later clarified that the center “decided to remain open,” which has fueled further debate.
As the situation develops, the Quality Learning Center’s future remains uncertain. The missing “n” from its sign has become symbolic of the larger issues at play, and Ali confirmed it was merely a mistake by the graphic designer. As of now, repairs are underway to rectify the sign.
The unfolding events surrounding the Quality Learning Center reflect broader concerns about the integrity of childcare programs in Minnesota and the implications for the communities they serve.
