According to Minnesota Department of Youth, Children, and Families records, the Quality Learning Center in Minneapolis closed effective January 6, 2026. The facility, which had previously been listed as the “Quality Learing [sic] Center” in state documents, was cited for regulatory violations during a June 2025 inspection.
The closure followed a viral video featuring independent journalist Nick Shirley, who alleged that the center received state childcare subsidies while appearing inactive during his visit. Shirley also noted the daycare’s sign misspelled “learning” as “learing,” a detail that became emblematic of the controversy.
Ibrahim Ali, identified as a manager at the center, denied fraud allegations and stated that Shirley visited outside business hours. The facility operated from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday. When asked about the connection between the center’s Somali community ties and fraud claims, Ali remarked: “Are you trying to record that we’re doing fraud, or are you trying to put the Somali name and the fraud in the same sentence?”
State officials confirmed no evidence of fraud was found during the most recent inspection. However, Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted that the center received $1.9 million in state childcare subsidies while appearing inactive.
