Paralleling the works of Cambourne's Conditions of Literacy Learning (The Reading Teacher, 54(4), [414][415][416][417][418][419][420][421][422][423][424][425][426][427][428][429] 2001), Copple and Bredekamp's (Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth though age. National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, 2009) Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the findings from the field of Neuroscience this article explores the important components of creating an active, stimulating learning environment; one purposely designed to actively engage the minds of young children in order to help strengthen their neurological networks. The article concludes its exploration with the role of ''mirror neurons'' in the learning environment and how they affect the young child's mood, emotions, and empathy.

Six years have gone by since the passing of No Child Left Behind (2002) and due to the 'high-stake' riders attached to this legislation, educators at all levels have found themselves in a state of both emotional and cognitive dissonance. Recent research in the field of neuroscience combined with principles gained from constructivism support the importance of developing and implementing both a child-centered curriculum and a positive learning environment that is appropriate for young children. This paper addresses some of the difficulties that arise from the No Child Left Behind act and teaching from a constructivist model. Additionally, positive suggestions are provided for the early childhood educator in order to support current teaching philosophies despite the pressures of high-stakes testing.