A day care center in Minneapolis has come under scrutiny following a viral video that alleges fraudulent activity within the facility. The Quality Learning Center, located on Nicollet Avenue, gained attention after a conservative content creator, Nick Shirley, highlighted the center’s misspelled sign—“Quality ‘Learing’ Center.” His video, posted on December 26, quickly spread online, prompting discussions about potential fraud in Minnesota’s day care sector and leading to increased scrutiny from federal authorities.
Shirley’s video has triggered a significant response, including enhanced immigration enforcement and a freeze on federal funds. The allegations have also fueled criticism directed at the state’s government, particularly toward Governor Tim Walz, for what many see as inadequate oversight of day care operations. “These are not real businesses,” Shirley stated in an interview with CNN, pointing to Quality Learning Center as symptomatic of broader issues.
Investigations and Funding Concerns
Federal law enforcement has been investigating potential fraud in Minnesota’s day care sector for several years. According to Melinda Williams, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, “98 individuals have been charged in our ongoing fraud against the government cases.” However, as of now, no fraud charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center. State records indicate that although the center has faced numerous compliance questions, no violations have suggested fraudulent activity.
Quality Learning Center is projected to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for fiscal year 2025, and has received nearly $10 million from the program since 2019. The state Republican Caucus has expressed concerns about the funding of day care centers, including Quality Learning Center, citing a hearing held in February that discussed various facilities under scrutiny.
The CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers. Instead, eligible families apply for assistance, which is then directed to the centers. A recent budget forecast estimates that CCAP will cost the state $56 million in the next fiscal year, with an additional $101 million expected from federal sources.
Regulatory Oversight and Compliance Issues
The most recent inspection of Quality Learning Center occurred on June 23, with state officials noting that inspections are typically unannounced. Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, stated that ongoing investigations have not uncovered findings of fraud related to the centers mentioned in Shirley’s video. Brown confirmed that new site visits would occur soon.
Quality Learning Center has previously faced numerous compliance violations, with records indicating 121 violations from May 2022 to June 2025. The most recent inspection cited ten issues, including having unqualified staff and inadequate documentation for children’s medications. While the facility has been on conditional status due to serious violations, it has never had its license suspended.
Despite the allegations and ongoing scrutiny, Ibrahim Ali, who identifies as the manager of Quality Learning Center, has denied any wrongdoing. He asserted that the video was filmed before the center opened for the day, claiming that the facility services between 50 to 80 children daily. The center is licensed to care for a maximum of 99 children, although exact enrollment figures remain unclear as the state has not disclosed this information.
Conflicting statements regarding the center’s operational status have added to the confusion. While state officials suggested the center had closed, children were seen entering the facility shortly thereafter, leading to speculation and conspiracy theories online. The licensing database shows that Quality Learning Center’s license has been renewed through the end of 2026.
As the investigation continues, the center’s management has stated that they are addressing concerns, including the sign’s misspelling, which was attributed to a graphic designer’s error. The Quality Learning Center remains a focal point in discussions about accountability and oversight within Minnesota’s day care sector.
