This is exactly what we did when our daughter was old enough.
We did the room darkening shade, the fan... you name it, we tried it! DD has gotten a little better (she's 5 now). She pretty consistantly wakes around 6, and knows she has to play or listen to her cd player (she loves The Pond and music) until 7 am. I am a morning person, but still need an hour of quiet in order to tackle the day! :D