Minnesota Fraud: Child Care Centers in Viral Video Probed
Minnesota Officials Address CCAP Funding and Child Care Center Investigations
Minnesota officials have provided detailed information regarding the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding allocated to child care centers, following a viral video that alleged widespread fraud. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has confirmed that four out of the 10 centers featured in the video are currently under investigation, while one of them closed in 2022.
The CCAP is designed to help reduce the cost of child care for families across the state, supporting access to affordable child care for approximately 23,000 children and 12,000 working families on a monthly average. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring that parents can maintain employment while providing quality care for their children.
Child Care Fraud Allegations
A YouTube video that has gained significant attention purportedly shows several child care centers in Minneapolis with no children present during filming. According to DCYF, the child care centers mentioned in the video received substantial CCAP funding in fiscal year 2025. These include:
- 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
- Minnesota Best Child Care Center: $3.4 million
Another center shown in the video, Mako Child Care Center, has been closed since 2022, as reported by DCYF. Of the 10 centers highlighted in the video, the department states that it is currently conducting investigations into four of them.
Additional Details on the Investigations
On December 19, DCYF was informed that Quality Learning Centers intended to voluntarily close. This statement was referenced by DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown during a press conference on December 29. The center has drawn national attention due to its signage that misspells "learning" as "learing," a detail that critics have noted as ironic given the center's focus on education.
However, the closure announcement was not the result of any action taken by DCYF. When licensing investigators visited the center on December 29, they found that the facility had decided to remain open. As of now, DCYF reports that there are 55 open investigations involving providers receiving CCAP funding.
Statements from Officials
In a recent statement, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families emphasized its commitment to investigating potential fraud, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring access to quality, safe services for Minnesota families. The department continues to prioritize these goals as it navigates the ongoing scrutiny surrounding child care centers and their use of public funds.
Federal CCAP Funding Overview
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a federal-state partnership that provides critical support to families across Minnesota. In fiscal year 2024, a total of $306.6 million was invested in the state for child care assistance. Minnesota counties and two Tribal Nations play a key role in processing family applications, verification, and enrollment, as well as approving payments to providers.
However, the distribution of federal funds has been affected by allegations of fraud. In response, the Trump administration has implemented a funding freeze on the distribution of these resources. This move underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in how public funds are used to support child care services.
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