The closure of the Quality Learning Center, once spotlighted in a viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, underscores a disturbing trend in Minnesota’s child care sector. Shirley’s 42-minute exposé revealed what he claims is a staggering $110 million fraud linked to Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis. His reporting highlighted the facility’s sign—a glaring misspelling that raised eyebrows and pointed to a broader issue of oversight in early childhood education.
On December 30, 2025, social media buzzed with reactions to this irony. A tweet noted the facility’s sign read “Quality Learing Center,” reflecting a failure that mirrors allegations of mismanagement and disregard for the children it served. Critics took to Twitter to express disbelief over the carelessness—one noted, “You’re already busted,” reinforcing that missteps were not trivial but a reflection of serious issues within the facility.
Official closure came on January 6, 2026. According to Minnesota’s Department of Human Resources, Quality Learning Center voluntarily opted to close its license amid ongoing scandal and inquiries. The facility had received approximately $1.9 million from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program in fiscal year 2025, exposing potential misuse of taxpayer funds intended to support legitimate child care services. Despite knowing its intent to close as early as December 19, the center tried to maintain its operations, raising more questions about its practices.
Local reports indicate that the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families only learned of the closure after an inspection revealed that the center had ignored warnings. The discrepancy prompted further scrutiny not only of this particular facility but of the effectiveness of regulatory oversight in the state’s social programs.
This incident is part of a larger narrative unfolding within Minnesota and beyond. Allegations suggest that similar fraudulent activities may be happening in other states, including Ohio and Washington. This has led to federal actions, including the Trump administration’s recent decision to freeze funding for child care facilities in Minnesota during the investigation. The implications of this scandal extend far beyond a single facility or even a single state.
In the backdrop of this unfolding drama is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who recently announced he would not seek re-election while grappling with numerous accusations surrounding state social services program fraud. Walz indicated that defending his political interests detracted from addressing the issues at hand, remarking, “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota.” This statement highlights the urgency with which the state must tackle these allegations, especially as they impact the welfare of its youngest residents.
The chaos at Quality Learning Center and its potential ties to broader fraud schemes reveal systemic vulnerabilities. The urgent need for reform and accountability within these programs cannot be ignored, especially given the significant taxpayer funds at stake. As these investigations continue, the hope is that concrete measures will be implemented to prevent similar cases of mismanagement and fraud in the future.
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