A Minneapolis day care center has found itself at the center of a controversy following allegations of fraud highlighted in a viral video. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, became the focus of criticism after conservative content creator Nick Shirley pointed out a misspelled sign—”Quality ‘Learing’ Center.” This incident sparked a debate over the legitimacy of day care centers within the city’s Somali community, leading to increased scrutiny from federal authorities.
Shirley’s 42-minute video, released on December 26, 2022, quickly gained traction, prompting a response from federal law enforcement and even inciting comments from former President Donald Trump. Critics argue that the system in place has allowed fraudulent activities to proliferate in Minnesota’s day care sector. “These are not real businesses,” Shirley claimed in an interview, drawing attention to the Quality Learning Center as a primary example of alleged misconduct.
Despite these assertions, a man identifying himself as Ibrahim Ali, a manager and son of the owners, refuted the claims, stating there was “no fraud going on whatsoever.” As investigations continue, the Quality Learning Center has not faced any formal fraud charges. According to Assistant US Attorney Melinda Williams, “98 individuals have been charged in our ongoing fraud against the government cases” in Minnesota.
Funding and Compliance Issues
The Quality Learning Center has received considerable financial support from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), amounting to nearly $10 million since 2019. It was projected to receive $1.9 million for the 2025 fiscal year. These figures were shared with CNN by the state House Republican Caucus, although the Minnesota Department of Human Services did not confirm the amounts in their response to inquiries.
State officials have raised alarms regarding the center’s compliance with operational standards. Records indicate that Quality Learning Center faced repeated scrutiny, with a total of 121 violations noted between May 2022 and June 2025. These violations included issues such as inadequate documentation for children’s medications and the presence of unqualified substitutes. Although the violations did not suggest fraud, they pointed to ongoing management challenges.
Investigations and Community Impact
Despite the allegations, investigations conducted by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families have reportedly not uncovered findings of fraud at the Quality Learning Center or similar facilities. Commissioner Tikki Brown stated that unannounced inspections are routinely performed and more site visits would be conducted.
The center’s operational status remains unclear, as conflicting reports emerged regarding its closure. On one hand, Brown indicated that the center closed over a week ago; however, children were observed arriving on the same day. This discrepancy has led to a wave of speculation online, with Shirley asserting that the presence of children does not negate his video’s implications.
The state licensing database shows that Quality Learning Center’s license remains valid through the end of 2026. Ali noted that the recent influx of children was typical for their after-school care program, which operates from 14:00 to 22:00.
As the situation unfolds, the center is working to address its signage issues and improve its public image. The misspelled sign that drew Shirley’s attention is reportedly being corrected, reflecting the ongoing efforts to restore confidence in the institution.
The controversy surrounding the Quality Learning Center underscores broader issues related to oversight and accountability in child care services across Minnesota. With federal investigations in progress and public scrutiny intensifying, the future of the center and similar establishments may hinge on the outcomes of these ongoing inquiries.
