Officials’ Surprising Response Adds New Developments to Viral Minnesota Daycare Controversy

Minnesota authorities have issued a response to the widely-shared “ghost” daycare footage released by independent journalist Nick Shirley.

It’s likely that their reaction will stir some controversy.

The report indicates that none of the daycare facilities had their funding halted due to allegations of fraud.

Interestingly, the story also revealed a discrepancy in a previous statement, clarifying that the “Quality Learning Center,” which officials claimed was closed, is actually still operational.

The New York Post corroborated this by dispatching someone to the center. On the Monday after the video gained traction, despite all the commotion, children were present at the facility. A local resident remarked to the Post that this was uncommon, noting they rarely observed children there.

The Post reported observing approximately 20 children during their visit.

Brown said that while there had been prior investigations into some of the places, “none have uncovered findings of fraud.”

According to the report, none of the centers had their money stopped because of fraud.

In a twist, the story also clarified a report from officials that the “Quality Learing Center” had been closed, saying it remained open. 

The NY Post confirmed that, sending a person to the Center. Now, on the Monday following the viral video, after all the hullabaloo, there were kids there. A local told the Post that it was unusual, that the local never saw kids there. 

The Post said they saw about 20 kids, as they staked it out. 

Ibrahim Ali, the son of the owner who said he was the manager, claimed to The Post on Monday that Shirley’s visit came before they opened for the day. [….]

He also blamed a graphic designer for the site’s now-infamous typo on its sign.

“What I understand is [the owners] dealt with a graphic designer. He did it incorrectly. I guess they didn’t think it was a big issue,” said Ali, 26, who claimed he helps out with homework and paperwork at the facility.

“That’s gonna be fixed,” he said of the sign.

Another reported employee cursed at them, “Get the f**k out of here.” 

KARE 11’s Lou Raguse also said that they appeared to be open, despite the report initially from officials that they were closed. 

Twist! After Nick Shirley’s viral video showing Somali-run daycares in Minneapolis that receive millions in taxpayer money having a lack of children, the “Quality Learing Center” opened this afternoon with dozens of kids dropped off by vans. pic.twitter.com/YKEXQbN6Ix

— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) December 29, 2025

So we’ll keep you up to date on the changing story and see what they say next.