A Minneapolis day care center has become a focal point of controversy following a viral video that alleges significant fraud within the state’s child care system. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, has drawn attention not only for the claims made against it but also for a notable spelling error on its sign, which read “Quality Learing Center.” This detail was highlighted by Nick Shirley, a conservative content creator whose video criticizing day care centers in the Somali community gained traction shortly after its release on December 26, 2023.
Shirley’s 42-minute video claimed that several day care facilities, including Quality Learning Center, were not legitimate businesses. The video sparked outrage and led to increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement and government funding, particularly from federal sources. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, using the video as a platform to target the Somali community more broadly.
In response to the allegations, a man identifying himself as the center’s manager, Ibrahim Ali, stated during an interview with local media that “there is no fraud going on whatsoever.” He asserted that the video was filmed before the business opened for the day. According to reports, federal authorities have been investigating potential fraud in Minnesota’s child care system for several years, resulting in charges against 98 individuals, as confirmed by Assistant US Attorney Melinda Williams.
Despite these allegations, no formal fraud charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center. Records reflect ongoing concerns regarding the facility’s compliance with state standards, although none have concluded fraud. The center is projected to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in 2025, adding to nearly $10 million it has received since 2019.
Concerns about the day care centers surfaced months prior, as state GOP leadership had already raised alarms about facilities, including Quality Learning Center, during a hearing in February. Lisa Demuth, the state House Speaker, emphasized the need for scrutiny in light of the funding and potential irregularities.
CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers. Instead, qualified parents apply for assistance, which is then provided to the centers. A budget forecast indicated that CCAP funding could cost the state $56 million in the upcoming fiscal year, with an additional $101 million anticipated from federal sources.
The most recent inspection of Quality Learning Center occurred on June 23, 2023, and while multiple violations have been recorded, including issues with documentation and staffing, the investigations have not substantiated claims of fraud. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families, confirmed that ongoing investigations of several centers did not reveal fraud.
Despite the absence of fraud findings, Quality Learning Center has faced scrutiny. In May 2022, site inspectors identified 27 violations, ten of which were repeats from previous inspections. The center was placed on conditional status for two years due to the recurring nature of these violations, which affected child safety and health.
On the afternoon of December 26, the area in front of Quality Learning Center became a scene of heightened activity, with media and supporters of Shirley observing as children were escorted into the facility. Tensions rose as a CNN crew was told that being on the property would be considered trespassing.
Determining the exact number of children served by Quality Learning Center has proven challenging. The facility is licensed to care for up to 99 children, yet Ali estimates that it serves between 50 to 80 children daily. The state Department of Human Services has not provided enrollment figures, and attempts to reach the registered owner, Siman Aden, have been unsuccessful.
Confusion over the status of Quality Learning Center emerged when Brown stated in a news conference that the center had closed, a claim contradicted by evidence of children arriving that same day. The situation has led to speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the center’s status.
In response to the criticism surrounding its sign, Ali noted that the missing letter “n” was a graphic designer’s oversight and that efforts to correct it were already underway. The controversy surrounding Quality Learning Center illustrates the complexities of Minnesota’s child care system and the impact of public perception on community services.
