The Quality Learning Center in Minneapolis has gained notoriety recently, with reports indicating that they’re “trucking in” children following a viral video by citizen journalist Nick Shirley, which claims the facility is involved in fraud.
In the video, Shirley highlights a spelling mistake on the center’s sign, where “learning” is misspelled. On Monday, the place was filled with children, but only one resident seemed to be there previously. Locals expressed surprise at the sudden presence of kids, stating they’d never seen any before.
Residents described Monday’s activity at the nursery as “highly unusual,” particularly since it came just days after Shirley’s video, in which he alleges a $110 million scam was uncovered.
One local remarked, “I had never seen kids go in there until today. That parking lot was always empty; I thought it was closed forever.”
The same individual noted that the “crowded parking lot” on Monday sharply contrasted with the more desolate portrayal in Shirley’s viral video.
In that video, Shirley knocks on the center’s door to inquire about enrolling, prompting a response from a staff member urging, “Don’t open! It’s ICE!” This incident unfolds around the 14:55 mark in the footage.
During Shirley’s prior visit, there were apparently no children present. The center operates from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
Ibrahim Ali, 26, son of the daycare’s owner, attributed the misspelling of the sign to a mistake by a graphic designer. “I guess they didn’t think it was a big deal,” he commented, adding that the issue would be addressed.
Interestingly, the misspelling extends to the center’s address on the sign as well, which lists “Nicolet” incorrectly above the entrance.
It’s unclear how long the sign has displayed these errors.
Ali mentioned he managed the facility and helped with homework and paperwork, but Shirley contended her visit took place before the center opened.
“You go to a coffee shop at 11 p.m. and say, ‘I’m not working,'” he countered.
He also claimed that at least 16 children were present during his Monday visit.
Shirley’s research drew hostility during her attempt to investigate further, with a staff member telling a reporter to leave the premises.
Another employee also dismissed Shirley’s claims, insisting, “We don’t have fraud. That’s a lie,” and further expressing a desire to communicate only through legal channels.
Additionally, it was reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement visited another daycare, the ABC Learning Center, located nearby, as part of a broader investigation into fraud allegations linked to Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.
Shirley’s video has made waves online, amassing over 127 million views since its posting on Friday.
