Minneapolis Quality Learning Center Permanently Closed, Officials Confirm

Minnesota state officials are responding to widespread attention sparked by a viral video that alleges fraud within the state’s childcare assistance system, including claims involving several licensed daycare facilities in Minneapolis.

The video, created by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley, has generated tens of millions of views across social media platforms, drawing national attention and prompting scrutiny from both state and federal authorities. The video raises questions about whether some taxpayer-funded daycare centers are operating as reported.

One of the facilities featured in the video was the Quality “Learing” Center—spelled incorrectly on its exterior signage—which Shirley portrayed as appearing vacant despite allegedly receiving public childcare assistance funds. In the video, Shirley questioned the lack of visible activity inside the facility and suggested it could be part of a broader pattern of misuse of public funds.

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which oversees the federal Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), acknowledged the concerns raised while also expressing caution about how the video was produced.

“While we have questions about some of the methods that were used in the video, we do take the concerns about fraud very seriously,” said DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown.

Brown confirmed that state inspectors conducted follow-up visits to the daycare centers highlighted in the video earlier this week to verify licensing compliance and confirm whether children were present during operating hours. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also conducted checks at some of the Minneapolis locations mentioned.

According to Brown, state inspection records indicate that all of the daycare centers featured in the video—except one—currently hold active licenses and continue to receive childcare assistance payments. She said inspectors had visited each of those facilities within the past six months and found no substantiated evidence of fraud.

Brown confirmed that the Quality “Learing” Center permanently closed last week. She added that department records indicate the facility had previously ceased operations years earlier.

However, conflicting accounts emerged soon after. Local media observed multiple children being dropped off at the location, and several parents stated that the daycare appeared to be operating. A man identifying himself as the center’s manager told reporters that the facility was legitimate and functioning normally.

A nearby resident described the activity as unusual, saying the building had long appeared inactive. “We’ve never seen kids go in there until today. That parking lot is empty all the time. I was under the impression that place was permanently closed,” the resident said.

Ibrahim Ali, who identified himself as the son of the owner and the center’s manager, said Shirley’s visit took place before the daycare opened for the day. Ali stated that the facility operates Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and claimed that approximately 16 children were present later that afternoon.

Ali denied any allegations of fraud and said the business has not been named in any federal investigation. Another employee who opened the facility on Monday also rejected the claims, stating, “We don’t have fraud. That’s a lie. I don’t want to talk—I want to talk to my lawyer.”

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families confirmed there are currently 55 active investigations statewide related to the Child Care Assistance Program. Officials emphasized that not all investigations result in findings of fraud and that each case is reviewed individually based on evidence.

State leaders said the situation remains under review and stressed that any confirmed violations would be addressed through appropriate legal and administrative actions. Authorities noted that this is an evolving situation and that additional information will be released as investigations continue.