This article may contain commentary
which reflects the author’s opinion.
Day care centers receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer subsidies appeared to have no children present when reporters from The Center Square visited several facilities this week. Journalists said staff at some locations were uncooperative, while others said they hoped to enroll children in the future but did not have applications available or personnel able to discuss enrollment.
The scrutiny of taxpayer-subsidized day care centers in Washington comes as federal authorities are conducting what they have described as a “massive” investigation into alleged fraud involving Somali-run child care facilities in Minnesota, the Center Square reported.
According to data published by Washington State Office of Financial Management, a home-based day care operating on 6th Avenue SW under the name Eyow Childcare Inc. received $158,931 in taxpayer-funded subsidies and grants between July and November 2025.
When reporters from The Center Square returned to the residence Tuesday, the homeowner contacted police and declined to answer questions from independent journalist Jonathan Choe, according to video recorded at the scene.
Three officers from the Federal Way Police Department responded and told the homeowner that reporters were permitted to remain on the public sidewalk. Officers also advised her to calm down. One officer entered the residence and said three children were inside, but did not confirm whether the children were enrolled in a licensed day care program, the outlet said.
Another facility, Brightstar Early Learning on South 317th Street, received $141,686 in taxpayer subsidies over the same five-month period, according to state data. When The Center Square visited the location Monday, a woman at the site declined to answer questions about whether a day care was operating there.
The outlet added:
“What are you looking for?” she asked.
“Do you have a daycare here?” asked TCS.
“What are you looking for?” the woman again asked.
“Do you have children that you take care of here?” we asked again.
That’s when the woman pulled out her iPhone and began filming The Center Square.
“Do you have a daycare that operates here?”
“I don’t have to answer. Where do you come from?” she said, before closing and locking the front door.
Another Federal Way daycare called Wonder Kidz located on 19th Ave. S. received $258,199 between July and November 2025.
WATCH:
Meanwhile, independent journalist Nick Shirley said Thursday that he plans to release a second installment of his reporting on alleged fraud involving Minnesota child care providers. Shirley’s first report, a 42-minute video published last week, examined day care centers that appeared inactive or closed despite receiving significant public funding.
The video has accumulated more than 134 million views on X, according to platform metrics, and prompted increased scrutiny from federal officials. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services subsequently announced a freeze on child care payments to Minnesota while reviews are conducted.
As the video gained attention, several major news organizations, including CNN, PBS, and The New York Times, dismissed Shirley’s findings as a viral video rather than an investigative report. Journalist Stella Escobedo commented on X that response was “an indictment” on corporate mainstream media, which led Shirley to respond: “Just wait until I post part 2, they are going to go insane.”
Shirley has publicly criticized several media outlets over their coverage of his reporting.
Shirley took issue with a CBS News reporter whom he said attempted to minimize his findings. PBS described Shirley as a “right-wing influencer” and said he accused Minnesota day care centers of fraud “without proof.” The New York Times characterized his work as a “single viral video,” while NPR featured commentary from a University of Minnesota media law professor who suggested Shirley was promoting a particular narrative.
CNN has also faced criticism online over its coverage. According to Steve Malzberg, a contributing writer for NewsBusters, CNN programs alleged that Shirley had previously shared “anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim videos,” without providing specific examples.
