A video by conservative content creator Nick Shirley has thrust the Quality Learning Center, a day care facility in Minneapolis, into the spotlight over allegations of fraud. The controversy erupted when Shirley highlighted a misspelled sign outside the center, drawing attention to broader claims of financial misconduct among day care providers in the city’s Somali community.
Shirley’s 42-minute video, posted on December 26, 2023, quickly gained traction, leading to intensified scrutiny from federal authorities. His comments prompted remarks from former President Donald Trump, who criticized the Somali community amidst calls for stricter immigration enforcement and the freezing of federal funds. “These are not real businesses,” Shirley said in an interview, directing attention towards the Quality Learning Center.
In response to the allegations, Ibrahim Ali, who identifies as a manager and son of the owners, stated there was “no fraud going on whatsoever.” He described Shirley’s video as misleading, asserting that it was filmed before the center opened for the day. The Quality Learning Center has been subject to ongoing investigations regarding its compliance with state regulations, but as of now, it faces no formal fraud charges.
Federal investigations into alleged fraud in Minnesota day care centers have been underway for several years. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Williams, “98 individuals have been charged in our ongoing fraud against the government cases.” The Quality Learning Center has received substantial funding through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), amounting to nearly $10 million since 2019, with projected funding of $1.9 million for the fiscal year 2025.
State Scrutiny and Allegations of Mismanagement
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has conducted inspections of the Quality Learning Center, revealing a total of 121 violations from May 2022 to June 2025. The most recent inspection, on June 23, 2023, cited the center for ten violations, including having an unqualified substitute and inadequate documentation for children’s medication. Despite these issues, the inspections did not indicate any fraudulent activity.
State officials have faced criticism from Republican leaders regarding the oversight of day care centers, including the Quality Learning Center. Lisa Demuth, the state House Speaker, noted that concerns about the facility were raised during a hearing in February. “The fraud committee featured a number of these apparently vacant sites,” she said.
CCAP funding is not directly awarded to day care centers; instead, it is provided to qualified parents who apply for assistance. A budget forecast released by the agency managing CCAP projected a cost of $56 million for the state in the upcoming fiscal year, with an additional $101 million expected from federal funding.
Despite ongoing investigations, the Quality Learning Center remains operational. Ali stated that the facility serves between 50 and 80 children each day and is licensed to care for up to 99 children. However, the actual enrollment figures have not been confirmed by the state DHS.
Community Reaction and Future Investigations
The sidewalk outside the Quality Learning Center became a focal point for media and supporters of Shirley, with children being escorted in and out of the building. Observers noted the activity contradicted claims made by officials that the center had closed. DHS Commissioner Tikki Brown initially stated that the center was closed, an assertion that has since been clarified.
The state licensing database indicates that Quality Learning Center’s license has been renewed through the end of 2026. While there have been concerns regarding the facility’s operational practices, including overcrowding and inadequate supervision, it has never been suspended, despite being placed on conditional status due to previous violations.
As investigations continue, the Quality Learning Center’s management expressed intent to address the issues highlighted in the inspections. Ali pointed out that the misspelled sign was the result of a graphic design error and confirmed that efforts to correct the sign were already underway.
The controversy surrounding the Quality Learning Center reflects broader issues regarding oversight and accountability in Minnesota’s day care system. As authorities investigate allegations of fraud, the impact on the local community and the children who rely on such services remains a critical concern.
