A Minneapolis day care center, the Quality Learning Center, has come under intense scrutiny following a viral video that alleges fraudulent practices within the facility. The video, posted by conservative content creator Nick Shirley on December 26, 2023, highlighted a sign with a misspelled word, drawing attention to the center and igniting a broader conversation about accountability in Minnesota’s day care system.
Shirley’s video quickly gained traction, attracting criticism not only for the alleged fraud but also for its implications about the Somali community in Minneapolis. In the video, Shirley pointed out the sign that read “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” questioning the professionalism of the establishment. His claims prompted heightened immigration enforcement and a freeze on federal funds, as well as increased rhetoric from political figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Despite the intense focus on the Quality Learning Center, Ibrahim Ali, who identified himself as the manager, firmly denied any wrongdoing. He told local media that the allegations of fraud were unfounded and that the facility was operational, contrary to what Shirley’s video suggested. “There’s no fraud going on whatsoever,” Ali stated in an interview.
Federal law enforcement has been investigating allegations of fraud in Minnesota for several years, with Melinda Williams, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, confirming that 98 individuals have been charged in ongoing fraud cases. However, as of now, no charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center itself.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Quality Learning Center is scheduled to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for the year 2025. Since 2019, the center has accumulated nearly $10 million in funding from CCAP, raising concerns about the accountability and oversight of such programs.
The Minnesota House Republican Caucus has previously raised alarms about day care centers, including the Quality Learning Center. State House Speaker Lisa Demuth noted that the fraud committee discussed these issues back in February, highlighting the center’s presence in the ongoing conversation about fraudulent practices.
CCAP does not accept direct applications from day care centers; instead, eligible working parents apply for assistance, which is then paid to the centers. The state has projected that CCAP will cost approximately $56 million in the fiscal year 2025, with an additional $101 million expected from federal sources.
The most recent inspection of the Quality Learning Center took place on June 23, 2025. State officials indicated that the inspections are conducted without prior notice. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, stated that ongoing investigations have not uncovered fraud at the centers featured in Shirley’s video and announced that new site visits would be conducted.
Despite the allegations, Quality Learning Center has faced numerous violations unrelated to fraud. Since May 2022, the facility has been cited for 121 violations, including 10 in the latest inspection, which involved issues such as unqualified substitutes and improper documentation for children’s medication. While the center’s license has faced challenges, it has not been suspended, and corrective actions were taken for the cited violations.
The licensing status of the Quality Learning Center has been a point of contention. In a publicly filed notice from June 2022, inspectors noted chronic violations that impacted the health and safety of children, resulting in the center being placed on conditional status for two years. Notably, overcrowding was cited as an issue, with too many children present and inadequate supervision.
Despite these concerns, the Quality Learning Center remains licensed to operate. Its capacity allows for a maximum of 99 children, but Ali claimed that the center typically serves between 50 to 80 children daily. Officials from the Department of Human Services have not provided clear enrollment figures.
Confusion regarding the center’s status arose recently when Brown indicated that the Quality Learning Center had closed, a claim that was met with skepticism as children were seen arriving shortly thereafter. This discrepancy fueled speculation and conspiracy theories online.
As discussions around the Quality Learning Center continue, Ali attributed the misspelled sign to a mistake made by a graphic designer, and efforts to correct it are currently underway. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and community interest likely to shape the narrative in the coming weeks.
