A Somali-run Minnesota “daycare” center that became a viral flashpoint in allegations of widespread fraud has mysteriously shut its doors this week, according to state records.
The Quality Learning Center closed on Tuesday after requesting the termination of its childcare license, records from the Minnesota Department of Human Services show.
State officials did not cite a specific reason for the closure.
A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Youth, Children, and Families told Fox News:
“Quality Learning Center requested closure of their license and it was closed effective Jan. 6, 2026.
“The provider is unable to reopen without reapplying for a license.”
The daycare gained national attention after being featured in a viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, who visited multiple Minnesota childcare centers he alleged were collecting public funds without providing services.
Quality Learning Center was among the locations Shirley filmed.
During his visit, the facility appeared inactive despite receiving state childcare assistance funds.
The building’s exterior signage also misspelled the word “learning” as “learing,” an error that was later corrected.
WATCH:
The video fueled broader claims of systemic fraud involving some Minnesota daycare providers, particularly within segments of the state’s Somali community.
Those allegations drew swift attention from the Trump administration, which announced an investigation into potential misuse of public funds tied to Somali-owned businesses in Minneapolis.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon weighed in publicly at the time, writing on X:
“One fraudulent business in Minnesota that misspelled ‘learning’ on its building received $1.9M this year while masquerading as a daycare.”
State records show that Quality Learning Center’s most recent licensing review occurred in June 2025, when regulators cited the facility for several violations.
However, the state said there was no evidence of fraud identified during that inspection.
Days after Shirley’s video went viral, the daycare denied any wrongdoing and rejected claims that it had participated in fraudulent activity.
The closure comes amid intensifying scrutiny of Minnesota’s childcare assistance system, as federal and state officials continue to investigate allegations of widespread abuse involving taxpayer-funded programs.
READ MORE – Ad Emerges for ‘Child Actors’ to Fill Minnesota ‘Daycare’ amid Somali Fraud Scandal
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.