Minnesota DCYF Clears Child Care Center

New Delhi, January 3, 2026: A significant update has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) regarding a group of child care centers that were recently targeted in a viral social media campaign. Following unannounced on-site inspections conducted this week, state officials have confirmed that nine centers featured in the controversial video were found to be “operating as expected.” This announcement serves as a critical factual intervention after millions of viewers were exposed to claims that these facilities were receiving millions in public funds without actually providing services to children.

Investigation Finds Children Present and Active Services

The compliance checks were carried out by the Office of Inspector General as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to program integrity. During these visits, children were observed being cared for at eight of the nine inspected sites. The only facility where children were not present was noted as being closed for the day at the time of the inspectors’ arrival. These findings directly contradict the narrative promoted by conservative influencer Nick Shirley, whose 42-minute video claimed that many Somali-run daycares in the Twin Cities were “empty” or fraudulent shells.

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Financial Transparency and Ongoing Reviews

In a push for total transparency, the DCYF has released the Fiscal Year 2025 funding details for the centers highlighted in the video. These amounts, provided through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), ranged from approximately $470,000 for Super Kids Daycare Center to $3.68 million for Future Leaders Early Learning Center. While the majority of the centers were found to be operational, the agency clarified that four specific facilities remain under ongoing review for separate compliance matters. Furthermore, one center mentioned in the viral clip, Mako Child Care Center, was confirmed to have been officially closed since 2022.

Federal Pressure and the January 9 Deadline

The viral video has triggered a massive federal reaction, leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to temporarily freeze child care funding to Minnesota. The state has been given until January 9, 2026, to provide exhaustive documentation, including attendance records and receipts, for all recipients of federal child care funds from 2022 to 2025. This federal audit is being viewed as a direct consequence of the “unvetted claims” circulating online, which have placed thousands of low-income families and legitimate small business owners in a state of financial uncertainty.

Combating Misinformation and Community Harm

State officials have issued a stern warning regarding the distribution of “deceptive claims” that target immigrant communities. It was remarked by DCYF leadership that such videos often rely on skewed methods, such as filming during non-operational hours or at locked entrances, to manufacture a sense of wrongdoing. The agency emphasized that while fraud is never tolerated—noting 55 active investigations currently in progress—misleading public discourse creates safety risks for providers and fuels harmful rhetoric. For now, the DCYF remains committed to fact-based reviews that ensure essential child care services continue without disruption for the 12,000 Minnesota families who rely on them.