'Quality Learning Center' In Minneapolis Reviewed By State In 2025: What Licensing Records Show

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Quality Learning Center, a Minneapolis child care provider, has drawn national attention after appearing in a viral video that questioned whether the facility was operating legitimately or misusing millions of dollars in public funds.

The scrutiny stemmed from a widely circulated video produced by conservative social media figure Nick Shirley, who alleged widespread fraud at Minnesota day care centers operated by people of Somali origin.

The facility was widely mocked because of a sign outside the building that misspelled "Learning" as "Learing."

Amid that attention, Minnesota Department of Human Services licensing records provide a clearer picture of what state regulators have documented at the Quality Learning Center:

Active License Status

According to DHS records, Quality Learning Center Inc. holds an active child care center license at 1411 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis.

The center has been licensed since October 2017 and most recently renewed its license on Jan. 1, 2026. The next renewal is due Dec. 31, 2026.

State records show the facility is licensed to serve up to 99 children, ranging from infants through school-age children, with no listed capacity restrictions.

Violations Cited In 2025

A licensing review conducted June 23, 2025, documented multiple violations across a wide range of categories. According to DHS records, those violations included:

• Areas used by children were not in good repair
• Infant crib mattresses or sleep environments did not meet safety requirements
• Written parental permission was not obtained for administering medication or topical products
• Prescription medications were not administered according to written health care provider instructions
• Licensing actions were not posted in a required prominent location
• Children did not have daily access to all required program interest areas
• Staff did not directly supervise aides
• Children were placed in incorrect age categories
• The program used an unqualified substitute staff member
• Required ongoing staff training was not completed
• The required floor plan did not include all fire and safety information
• Staff did not supervise children at all times
• The program was not operating within the terms of its license

DHS records show the center submitted correction documentation for each violation, and the corrections were reviewed and approved by the state.

History Of Oversight And Enforcement

State records show Quality Learning Center has undergone multiple licensing reviews and investigations in recent years.

Public DHS documents show the state issued fine orders against the center in 2022 and again in 2024. The center has also been subject to multiple conditional license reviews since 2022, indicating heightened oversight by regulators.

What The Records Do And Do Not Show

Licensing violations reflect noncompliance with Minnesota child care rules and statutes and can result in fines, conditional licenses, or increased monitoring.

However, DHS records do not show that Quality Learning Center has been charged with fraud, referred for criminal prosecution, or formally accused of billing for children who were not present.

Political Reaction

The controversy surrounding the viral video prompted responses from state leaders.

Gov. Tim Walz’s administration has said it has worked for years to strengthen oversight and crack down on fraud in publicly funded programs, emphasizing that allegations must be supported by evidence before enforcement actions are taken.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, has criticized the state’s handling of fraud issues, arguing that regulators and lawmakers should take a harder look at child care funding and enforcement to restore public trust.

Demuth is running for governor and is seeking to challenge Walz in the general election.