Daycare at Center of Controversy Closed Amid Fraud Allegations
MINNEAPOLIS — A daycare involved in a highly publicized fraud scandal linked to the Somali community was reportedly shut down last week, according to the Minnesota director of children’s services. However, the facility’s owners seemed eager to show that operations were ongoing, inviting a news outlet to observe their activities.
Tikki Brown, who oversees the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, informed the media that officials did not find any wrongdoing associated with the daycares highlighted by YouTuber Nick Shirley. Nonetheless, she insisted that the Quality “Learning” Center had been closed.
Interestingly, the owners of the center, which has received around $4 million in taxpayer funding while accumulating numerous inspection violations, appeared to disregard this closure.
At least 20 kids were seen being brought into the Quality “Learning” Center the same afternoon Brown announced its closure. One of the employees reportedly shouted at a reporter: “Don’t come to this area. Get that son of a bitch out of here.”
The daycare claims to operate Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m. Ibrahim Ali, the owner’s son, made an appearance and described the allegations as a significant misunderstanding. He even posed a rhetorical question regarding visiting a coffee shop late at night, suggesting it wasn’t unusual.
However, residents in the area found the activities at the daycare to be quite odd. One neighbor commented, “I never saw any kids go in there until today. That parking lot was always empty, and I was under the impression that the place was permanently closed.”
Background on Nursery Fraud Cases
This isn’t the first instance where a daycare connected to the Somali community has faced scrutiny. Back in 2018, a disturbing video surfaced during a fraud investigation showing Somali parents dropping off their children at a daycare only to take them back shortly after.
As of December 29, the Quality Learning Center’s parking lot was full, contradicting its alleged status. Additionally, a sign that previously featured a spelling error was corrected shortly thereafter.
Authorities have indicated that a fraudulent scheme was in place, allowing childcare providers to bill the state for care not actually rendered. Allegations also include that the center provided kickbacks to participating parents, with one video displaying a man delivering an envelope containing such payments.
Minneapolis childcare facilities are under increasing scrutiny due to a broadening scandal related to taxpayer-funded services, encompassing daycares. Operators are accused of misappropriating millions meant for needy individuals, with over $1 billion identified as mismanaged to date. This includes significant financial discrepancies in areas like food distribution, autism programs, and housing subsidies that never reached those in need.
