Treat station days as blocked time
A 24-hour shift usually needs to be planned as a full block, even when the parent may technically be off before school pickup.
Account for recovery and commute
The first hours after a long shift may not be the best handoff window. Add commute and recovery time before assigning transitions.
Preview shift trades
Trades and callbacks can change the pattern. A four-week preview helps both homes see where backup care may be needed.