Minneapolis Daycare Posts Craigslist Ad Seeking Child Actors Amid Federal Funding Freeze

Minneapolis, MN - January 4, 2026. A Craigslist advertisement posted in Minneapolis has drawn widespread attention after it appeared to seek 20 child actors to pose as daycare attendees during a state inspection. The ad, titled "Daycare hiring child actors for 3 day contract," was shared on social media by journalist Liz Collin on January 4, 2026, and quickly amassed over 1.9 million views on X (formerly Twitter).

The posting, attributed to "Help Us Daycare" in the Ventura Village neighborhood, offered $1,500 per day for up to three days, totaling $4,500 per child. It stated that the daycare's funding had been "cruelly ripped away without cause" due to what it described as "this insane poor decision clear in white supremacy," forcing immediate closure. The ad explained the need for actors by noting that the existing client base had moved to other providers, and the facility needed to demonstrate functionality to regain funding during a state vetting process.

Link to the post, if it's still online: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/lab/d/minneapolis-daycare-hiring-child-actors/7905967005.html

Due to this insane poor decision clear in white supremacy, we had to close our doors immediately. We must prove we are a function day care to get the funding back. The issue is, the ENTIRE client base has already found new daycare services so we need to find new clients base quickly. To help hurry this state vetting processes, we are looking to hire 20 child actors for 3 days, while state is present on site.

Screenshots of the ad circulated rapidly online, with Collin's post linking to the original Craigslist listing. As of January 5, 2026, the ad was no longer active on Craigslist, though archived versions and screenshots remain available. The posting emerges amid heightened scrutiny of Minnesota's child care programs. In late December 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) froze federal child care funding to the state, citing allegations of widespread fraud. The decision affected approximately $185 million in annual funding supporting around 23,000 children from low-income families.

The freeze followed a viral video by content creator Nick Shirley, who visited several Minneapolis daycare centers and claimed many appeared non-operational despite receiving government reimbursements. Federal officials described the allegations as "credible," prompting additional verification requirements for providers suspected of irregularities.Minnesota has faced prior high-profile fraud cases in social services, including a $250 million scheme involving a child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in dozens of convictions.

Reactions to the Craigslist ad on social media were mixed, with some users condemning it as evidence of attempted fraud, while others questioned its authenticity, suggesting it could be a hoax designed to inflame tensions. No official confirmation has been issued by state authorities regarding the ad's legitimacy or any related investigation as of publication.Child care providers and families in Minnesota continue to navigate the impacts of the federal funding pause, with some centers requiring additional documentation to resume payments.

Ad text: Daycare hiring child actors for 3 day contract (Ventura Village)

Help Us Daycare craigslist - compensation: $1,500 per day, up to 3 days $4500 total employment type: contract. experience level: no experience required. job title: Actor

Hi All,

My family runs day care here in the city and have for over 5 years, until Monday when funding was cruelly ripped away without cause.

Due to this insane poor decision clear in white supremacy, we had to close our doors immediately. We must prove we are a function day care to get the funding back. The issue is, the ENTIRE client base has already found new daycare services so we need to find new clients base quickly.

To help hurry this state vetting processes, we are looking to hire 20 child actors for 3 days, while state is present on site.

We pay up to $1500 actor, per day. If you are interest, please send your child's age and a note of what makes your child a special actor. Submit phone number as well, as we will be doing quick phone interviews as part of hire process.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read this ad