Nick Shirley claims Creative Minds Daycare closed and rebranded same day after $2.45M payout

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Independent journalist Nick Shirley has raised allegations of government funding misuse at local Minnesota daycares. He shared a viral video claiming that some facilities are closed yet continue to receive taxpayer dollars, attracting national attention.

Shirley focused on one center in particular, stating it closed and reopened under a new name, continuing to receive government funding.

Creative Minds Daycare reopens as Super Kids Daycare in Minnesota

Shirley claimed that Creative Minds Daycare was shut down and reopened the very next day as Super Kids Daycare. He said, “Here in Minnesota, blatant fraud is taking place within the government and the Somali population.”

He alleged that the daycare received $2.45 million in government funding in 2025 alone. Shirley also referenced rumors that some of these funds could be diverted to terrorist groups in Somalia and noted a “35% chance on Polymarket” that those committing fraud would be deported.

He sarcastically added, “If you want to become a millionaire here in the United States, you should open up a daycare center and receive government funding from a governor like Tim Walz.” He also pointed to luxury vehicles outside the daycare, implying misuse of taxpayer money.

Shirley’s video, which gained over 130 million views on X, featured multiple daycare centers, including one with a misspelled sign that attracted additional attention. His reporting increased scrutiny of Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and how funds are distributed.

Minnesota officials respond to Nick Shirley daycare funding allegations

Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) confirmed that unannounced inspections found children and staff present at the centers, challenging claims that the facilities were inactive or fraudulent. Four of the ten daycare centers receiving CCAP funding in 2025 are currently under investigation, while the others remain licensed and compliant.

Amid these concerns, the US Department of Health and Human Services temporarily halted federal child care payments to Minnesota to review potential fraud. DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown (She/Her/Hers) stated, “None of those investigations uncovered findings of fraud.”

DCYF also noted that Quality Learning Child Care Center initially intended to close voluntarily but later remained open. Currently, 55 ongoing investigations involve providers receiving CCAP funding.