Minnesota Child Care Centers Under Investigation After Viral Video Alleges Fraud
A recent viral video posted by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley has sparked allegations of fraud against nearly a dozen child care centers in Minnesota, prompting an investigation by state officials. The video claimed that these centers, which receive public funds, were not providing actual services to children. However, after conducting on-site checks, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families found that nine of the centers were “operating as expected.”
The investigation, carried out by the state’s Office of Inspector General, found that children were present during eight of the nine inspections, with one facility not having children present due to it not being open for the day. The agency stated that “investigators confirmed the centers were operating as expected, gathered evidence and initiated further review.” The investigation is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to oversight and ensuring that public funds are being used effectively.
Child Care Centers Receive Millions in Funding
The nine child care centers in question received a total of $15.3 million in funding from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program in fiscal year 2025. The breakdown of funding for each center is as follows: Super Kids Daycare Center – $471,787, Future Leaders Early Learning Center – $3.68 million, Quality Learning Centers – $1.9 million, Tayo Daycare – $1.09 million, Minnesota Child Care Center – $2.67 million, Mini Child Care Center – $1.6 million, Sweet Angel Child Care – $1.54 million, ABC Learning Center – $1.04 million, and Minnesota Best Child Care Center – $3.4 million.
The Child Care Assistance Program supports access to child care for 23,000 children and 12,000 working families in Minnesota during an average month. The program receives hundreds of millions of dollars in federal support annually, making it a crucial service for many families in the state.
Investigation and Next Steps
While the initial investigation found that the centers were operating as expected, the agency is continuing to investigate four of the nine facilities, although the specifics of the investigation have not been disclosed. The state has also been working to verify information about recipients of federal child care funding, with a deadline of January 9 to provide the necessary information to the Trump administration.
The investigation is part of a larger effort to address fraud scandals in Minnesota, which have included allegations of fraud in programs providing meals to needy children, behavioral therapy for children with autism, and assistance for seniors searching for housing. Federal prosecutors have charged dozens of people in connection with these scandals, and the Department of Homeland Security has conducted a “massive investigation” into childcare and other alleged fraud.
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