A Minneapolis day care center, the Quality Learning Center, has become a focal point of controversy following a viral video released by conservative content creator Nick Shirley. The video, posted on December 26, 2023, highlights alleged fraud within day care centers serving the Somali community in Minneapolis, drawing significant attention and scrutiny from local and federal authorities.
The video features a humorous yet critical moment where Shirley points out a sign above the center’s door, which misspells “learning” as “learing.” He remarked, “This is Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” drawing attention to what he perceives as indicative of larger issues within the state’s day care system. His claims have led to increased immigration enforcement, halted federal funding, and heightened criticism from figures like former President Donald Trump against the Somali community.
Despite the viral nature of the video, Shirley’s assertions remain unverified. A manager at Quality Learning Center, who identified himself as Ibrahim Ali, stated in an interview that “there is no fraud going on whatsoever.” While the center has faced scrutiny for its operations, it has yet to be charged with any fraud-related offenses.
### Investigations and Funding Concerns
Federal law enforcement has been investigating fraud in Minnesota’s day care sector for several years. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Williams, “98 individuals have been charged in our ongoing fraud against the government cases.” However, no charges have been filed against Quality Learning Center to date.
Documents obtained from the state House Republican Caucus indicate that the Quality Learning Center was set to receive $1.9 million from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for the fiscal year 2025. Since 2019, the center has received nearly $10 million from this program. The caucus stated that these figures were sourced from the state Department of Human Services, which did not confirm the figures when contacted.
Concerns about the operations of day care centers, including Quality Learning Center, were raised months ago by state GOP leadership. Lisa Demuth, the state House Speaker, noted that a hearing in February had already highlighted various questionable sites, including the Quality Learning Center.
CCAP does not accept applications directly from day care centers. Instead, it allows qualified working parents making less than the program’s income limit to apply directly to the state for assistance, which is then allocated to the respective day care centers.
### Inspection History and Compliance Issues
Quality Learning Center’s most recent inspection occurred on June 23, 2023. According to Tikki Brown, Commissioner of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ongoing investigations into several centers, including Quality Learning Center, have not yielded findings of fraud. Brown mentioned that additional site visits would take place that week but did not confirm whether those visits had been completed or their outcomes.
The center has faced multiple compliance issues over the years. State records show that from May 2022 to June 2023, Quality Learning Center was cited for 121 violations, with ten noted during its latest inspection. These included having unqualified substitutes and failing to maintain proper documentation for children’s medications. Despite these citations, none suggested that the center was unoccupied or fraudulent in nature.
In May 2022, state inspectors identified 27 violations, including overcrowding and inadequate supervision. Due to the “serious and chronic nature” of these violations, the center was placed on conditional status for two years, though it was never suspended. Recently, it was fined $200 for allowing background checks on employees to lapse.
### Current Operations and Community Response
On a recent afternoon, the sidewalk outside Quality Learning Center buzzed with activity as children were seen being escorted in and out, contradicting claims made in Shirley’s video. While Brown had initially stated that the center had closed, reports indicated that it had decided to remain open, fueling online speculation.
Determining the current enrollment figures at Quality Learning Center has proven challenging. The facility is licensed to care for a maximum of 99 children, with Ali stating that they typically serve between 50 and 80 children daily. However, the state Department of Human Services has not responded to requests for enrollment data.
As media scrutiny continues, the Quality Learning Center remains under the watchful eye of both local authorities and the community. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the integrity of day care services within Minnesota and the implications for the Somali community.
As for the misspelled sign, Ali has explained that it was merely a mistake made by the graphic designer, and efforts are underway to correct it. The unfolding events at Quality Learning Center highlight significant concerns in the child care system and the impact of public perception on local businesses.
