It may be the most famous sign in America. The “Quality Learing Center” in Minneapolis. The sign went viral after a conservative YouTube “journalist” showed up and tried to ask a few questions.
What do we really know about the “Quality Learning Center” in Minneapolis?
CNN reports the center has received $1.9 million in aid from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program, and has received $10 million from the CCAP since 2019. The Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program is paid directly to daycare centers, but parents apply for the assistance based on income levels.
Download the KLZZ Mobile App Now
The facility was last inspected by the state on June 23rd. State records find the center is focused on after-school care, operating from 2pm until 10pm. In the past, the center has been cited for minor offenses, like having unlicensed substitute teachers and not having the proper documentation for children’s medication. No offenses have proven severe enough to threaten the center’s license, and the proper paperwork to correct the issues was submitted.
The center is licensed to hold a maximum of 99 students. While the viral video claimed no children were present at the center, records show they have received violations related to overcrowding, with too many students in the room and not enough adults available to supervise them.
What about the sign?
Broadcast reports have indicated the sign was a mistake by the graphic design company, and was being corrected.
Why all the attention?
Real journalism lies in the follow-up questions. When I’ve visited schools and daycares covering stories or speaking to classes, I’ve had to be buzzed in. All the doors are locked. When taking pictures of classroom activity, I have to be aware of student’s faces and usually have to run all the pictures past school officials before I publish the story. So, when I saw the video, I wasn’t surprised the door was locked. If I (a middle-age white guy) showed up at a daycare center with a camera and asked to “see the kids”, I’m sure the cops would be called. If the daycare is an after-school center, it makes sense the center is empty during school hours or during a school’s winter break.
I’m not blind to the political implications of the video either. Fraud is not allowed, and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It will be a major issue in this year’s Governor’s race. This video is focused a little too tight on a segment of state spending; it’s almost custom-made for political talking points…