A day care center in Minneapolis has become the center of a heated controversy following a viral video that raises questions about alleged fraudulent activities. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, gained notoriety when conservative content creator Nick Shirley highlighted the facility in a video posted on December 26, 2023. The clip, which critiques the integrity of day care centers serving the Somali community, caught the attention of state officials and sparked discussions around immigration enforcement and funding for child care services.
Shirley’s video, which is over 42 minutes long, features a scene where he points out a misspelled sign reading “Quality ‘Learing’ Center.” He claimed this oversight exemplified broader issues within the system, suggesting that such centers are not legitimate businesses. “These are not real businesses,” he told CNN’s Whitney Wild, further fueling scrutiny towards Minnesota’s child care assistance programs.
In response to the video, federal law enforcement has intensified investigations into potential fraud in Minnesota’s day care sector. Melinda Williams, Assistant U.S. Attorney, confirmed that 98 individuals have been charged in ongoing fraud cases related to government assistance. As of now, however, no charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center.
According to documents reviewed by CNN, the Quality Learning Center is set to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for the fiscal year 2025. Since 2019, the facility has received nearly $10 million from this program. The figures were provided by the state House Republican Caucus, which has expressed concerns regarding the operations of such centers for several months. Lisa Demuth, the state House Speaker, noted that issues surrounding these centers were discussed in committee hearings as early as February.
CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers. Instead, eligible parents and caregivers apply for assistance, which is then allocated to the center. A budget forecast from November indicated that the program could cost the state $56 million in the 2025 fiscal year, with an additional $101 million expected from federal funding.
The Quality Learning Center has faced scrutiny over its compliance with state regulations. The center’s most recent inspection occurred on June 23, 2023, during which state officials conducted an unannounced review. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, stated that ongoing investigations have not revealed any findings of fraud. New site visits to the center were scheduled to take place this week.
Despite claims of no wrongdoing, Ibrahim Ali, who described himself as a manager and the son of the center’s owners, defended the Quality Learning Center. In an interview with local news affiliate KARE, he stated, “There’s no fraud going on whatsoever.” He suggested that Shirley’s video was recorded before the center opened for the day, emphasizing that the center serves children throughout its operational hours.
State records indicate that the Quality Learning Center has been cited for numerous violations, totaling 121 from May 2022 to June 2025. The most recent inspection identified ten violations, including issues related to staffing qualifications and documentation for medications. Despite these citations, there has been no indication of fraud.
In May 2022, the center was placed on conditional status due to serious and repeated violations, which included overcrowding and insufficient adult supervision. While the center has faced fines for various infractions, it has consistently remained open, with its license renewed until the end of 2026.
As the controversy unfolds, the sidewalk outside the Quality Learning Center has become a focal point for media and supporters of Shirley, who returned to the location to document ongoing developments. Conflicting reports regarding the center’s operational status have added to the confusion. On one hand, state officials indicated that the center had closed; on the other, children were seen arriving at the facility later that same day.
The licensing database confirms that the Quality Learning Center remains operational, despite initial assertions of closure. In response to concerns about the sign’s misspelling, Ali mentioned it was a mistake made by the graphic designer, and efforts are underway to correct it.
As investigations continue, the future of the Quality Learning Center and its standing within the Minnesota child care system remains uncertain.
