This publication provides guidelines regarding meal pattern requirements for child and adult care nutrition programs, enabling the individuals responsible for these programs to develop meals that are reimbursable. The publication begins with a delineation of the regulations regarding meal pattern requirements for children ages 1 to 2 years, 3 to 5 years, and 6 to 12 years. Participants are guided through 15 activities to enable them to meet four competencies: (1) identifying required components of reimbursable meals; (2) recognizing food items that qualify as creditable food components, including milk, meat/meat alternates, commercially prepared food, vegetables and fruits, and bread/bread alternates; (3) determining if the minimum serving sizes of required components are planned in menus; and (4) calculating the number of servings available in bread/bread alternate recipes. Information regarding the regulations in each of the above areas is presented, then the participant is asked to complete a number of activities to show competency attainment. A column for the participant's notes is included and the correct answers are explained. (KDFB)