Controversy Erupts Over Minneapolis Day Care Center Amid Fraud Claims
A video highlighting alleged fraud at a Minneapolis day care center has ignited significant controversy and scrutiny. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, features a sign that misspells “learning,” which conservative content creator Nick Shirley pointed out in a video posted on December 26, 2023. This video quickly went viral, drawing attention to the center and prompting discussions around potential fraud within day care services in the Somali community of Minneapolis.
Shirley’s video, which spans 42 minutes, criticizes both the day care center and the state government under Governor Tim Walz. He accused the administration of enabling a system that allows fraud to flourish. “These are not real businesses,” he stated in an interview, emphasizing his concerns about the legitimacy of the Quality Learning Center. In response, a manager at the facility, Ibrahim Ali, claimed there was “no fraud going on whatsoever.”
The Quality Learning Center is under federal investigation, with Melinda Williams, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, confirming that 98 individuals have been charged in ongoing fraud cases in Minnesota. Despite this, no formal fraud charges have been filed against the Quality Learning Center itself. State records indicate that while the center has faced numerous compliance issues, they do not constitute fraud.
Funding and Compliance Issues
Financially, the Quality Learning Center has received substantial support from the state. According to figures provided by the state House Republican Caucus, the center was set to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for 2025, accumulating nearly $10 million since 2019. Despite these figures, records reveal that the center has been scrutinized for its adherence to state standards, although previous violations have not indicated fraudulent activity.
The state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) conducted an unannounced inspection on June 23, 2023, which revealed multiple compliance issues. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the department, stated that ongoing investigations into several similar centers have not uncovered findings of fraud. New inspections were scheduled for the following week, although the department did not confirm the results of these inspections to CNN.
In a recent statement, Brown mentioned that the Quality Learning Center had closed just over a week prior to her announcement, a claim that was later contradicted by reports of children being present at the facility. Ali explained that the center operates primarily in the afternoons for after-school care, with posted hours from 14:00 to 22:00.
Inspection Records and Community Response
Quality Learning Center has faced a history of regulatory challenges. From May 2022 to June 2023, the center was cited for 121 violations, including 10 in its most recent inspection. Violations ranged from staffing issues to inadequate documentation of children’s medical records. Despite the severity of these findings, the center’s license was not suspended but placed under conditional status.
On the ground, the situation remains tense. On the afternoon of December 27, 2023, the sidewalk outside the center was bustling with activity as media and supporters of Shirley gathered. The presence of children entering the building has led to various interpretations of the center’s operational status, fueling further debate online.
Determining the actual number of children served by the Quality Learning Center is complicated. Officially, it is licensed for a maximum of 99 children; however, Ali stated that daily attendance ranges from 50 to 80 children. Despite the ongoing scrutiny and allegations, the center’s operations appear to continue, as confirmed by various community members.
As inquiries into the Quality Learning Center unfold, the implications for the broader child care system in Minnesota remain significant. The spotlight on this facility raises questions about oversight, funding, and the integrity of day care services within underserved communities. The state’s response to these allegations and the outcomes of the ongoing investigations will be crucial in shaping future discussions about child care in Minnesota.
