BALS plan

[dfrecore]

The difference is $365, and 3 courses that you would need proctored.  So the regular BALS w/no concentration should give you what you want.

I would consider doing the free courses for your free electives, just to jump start on the whole thing, and see how you do taking a test while holding a baby (which sounds super fun by the way).  At least you aren't paying for it, and can see how it goes.

Then you just need to figure out how to do the Oral Comm - I would probably just take the TECEP, which you can do after your wife gets home - because really, taking a test after working a full day and then being with your baby sounds extra fun!

Also, remember that you can do Study.com and SL courses at work, doing all quizzes and stuff - and then do the final at home.  That way, you're not limited by having to do Shmoop.  Not that you can't do Shmoop, but there are other options, and the proctoring part is not that time-consuming.